Work has yet to commence on the Kendhikulhudhoo futsal pitch, despite Minister Rafiu’s earlier assurances that the project would begin last December and be completed within one month
The Kendhikulhudhoo Island Council has expressed concern over the delayed renovation of the local futsal pitch, noting that physical work has yet to commence despite the Sports Minister’s earlier assurance that repairs would begin last December. Although the Ministry officially notified the council that the project had been awarded to Sivec, the council highlighted that the facility remains in a state of total disrepair and is currently unusable. Emphasizing the pitch's importance to the island's youth, the council has called on the government to expedite the renovation process immediately.
The futsal pitch in N. Kendhikulhudhoo has significantly deteriorated. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
Mohamed Shahid, a member of the Kendhikulhudhoo Island Council, has stated that no work has commenced on the local futsal pitch, despite assurances from President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s Sports Minister, Abdulla Rafiu, that repairs would begin before the end of last December and be completed within one month.
Despite the Sports Minister setting a one-month deadline to renovate the Kendhikulhudhoo futsal pitch, no work has commenced on the site to date. Commenting on the situation, Council Member Mohamed Shahid noted that the Kendhikulhudhoo futsal pitch falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Sports. He stated that as the facility deteriorated, the council had taken the initiative to repair the fencing and patch the turf as effectively as possible within their capacity. However, Shahid emphasized that the pitch has now reached a state of disrepair beyond simple maintenance.
This matter was previously highlighted during President Muizzu's visit to Kendhikulhudhoo in 2025. Most recently, during the opening ceremony of a volleyball tournament last November, Sports Minister Rafiu addressed the issue. When questioned about the stadium, the Minister assured that even if it was not specifically budgeted for, the project would commence before the end of December using the Ministry's general funds. Subsequently, on January 2nd of this year, the project was reportedly awarded to Sivec. The Council has since received an official letter requesting that the site be handed over to Sivec to begin work.Mohamed Shahid, Member of the Kendhikulhudhoo Island Council
Shahid stated that when the letter was sent to the council, it appeared the Sports Ministry was unaware of the field's actual ownership. He clarified that the council is not required to outsource the development work, as the land's registry had previously been issued to the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
It is understood that the registration remains with the Ministry of Sports. People are naturally vocal about this because the project has stalled. This is a facility where many young athletes come to play. Our island is a hub for futsal; we have secured the Atoll Championship in the Golden Cup twice. We have highly talented futsal players here. Therefore, it appears that this document was sent merely as a formality to give the impression that something is being done, simply because the public has been raising concerns.Mohamed Shahid, Member of the Kendhikulhudhoo Island Council
Shahid stated that no progress has been made since the Ministry's letter was received. He noted that the government has appointed a salaried Youth Associate on the island, emphasizing that this official must also work responsibly for the benefit of the youth.
Shahid noted that the Kendhikulhudhoo futsal ground was a high-quality facility, fully equipped with lighting, developed during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen.
