Nine months after land handover, N. Henbadhoo fitness center project remains stalled

Construction of the Fitness and Recreation Center in Henbadhoo island of Noonu atoll has stalled, despite nine months having passed since the land for the project was officially handed over.

Henbadhoo Council President Hussain Aboobakuru has raised serious concerns over the lack of progress, noting that although the architectural plans for the building are displayed at the site, construction has yet to move forward.

He highlighted the community’s expectation that the project would be completed promptly so the facility could begin serving the public.

Further, he explained that the site had been fully prepared at the time the foundation stone was laid and that the land was formally handed over.

Despite this, the project has since come to a halt, and the area is now overgrown with weeds.

The council president noted that the work was initially contracted to Fenaka Corporation. He also pointed out that the site previously housed a large structure, the island’s old powerhouse, which was demolished to facilitate the project, stressing that the delay cannot be attributed to a lack of available land.

The foundation stone for the N. Henbadhoo Fitness and Recreation Center was laid in July 2024.

The ceremony marking the commencement of the project was officiated by the Minister of Sports, Fitness, and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu.

The foundation stone was laid during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s official visit to Noonu atoll at a special ceremony held in Henbadhoo. The event was attended by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, several cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament representing the Noonu atoll constituencies, and members of the Henbadhoo Council.