Ihavandhoo Hospital: No physical progress on construction as frogs breed in excavated site
Former Member of Parliament for the Ihavandhoo constituency, Mohamed Shifau, has expressed grave concern over the stalled construction of the Ihavandhoo Hospital, noting that the excavated site has become a stagnant pool breeding frogs and mosquitoes. Shifau highlighted that although the current administration halted the project initiated by the previous government and re-assigned it to the Road Development Corporation (RDC), no physical work has commenced on-site. He further criticized the government for neglecting the island's healthcare system, pointing out that despite President Muizzu’s presidential pledge to prioritize the project, the ongoing delays demonstrate a significant failure to fulfill that commitment.
Former Ihavandhoo MP Mohamed Shaffiu speaks during RaajjeTV’s "Vaudhunaama" program. | RaajjeMV
Former Member of Parliament for the Ihavandhoo constituency, Mohamed Shifau, has stated that the hospital project in HA. Ihavandhoo initiated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration has stalled. He noted that the excavation site for the building has become a stagnant pool of water where frogs are now breeding, as no physical work is currently progressing.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Vaudhunaama" program, former Member of Parliament Shifau launched a scathing critique of the current administration. He asserted that the government is significantly neglecting Ihavandhoo and emphasized the urgent need to overhaul the island's healthcare system.
Referring to the Ihavandhoo hospital project, Shifau stated that a contract for its development had been awarded to a company during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration. However, he noted that following the change in government, the Ministry of Health instructed the contractor to halt all work on the project.
Furthermore, Shifau stated that while the current administration initiated the hospital project and excavated a large pit at the site, the work has since come to a standstill. He noted that the excavation has now filled with water and become a breeding ground for frogs.
By the end of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration, the establishment of a local hospital was the most anticipated project for the residents of Ihavandhoo. The project had already been contracted and physical works were well underway. However, following the change in government, the project was brought to a standstill. Under direct orders from the Ministry of Health, the contractor was instructed to halt operations, and the existing foundation work was buried under sand. In a move coinciding with the parliamentary election campaign, a new agreement was signed with the Road Development Corporation (RDC) to take over the hospital project. Today, the site remains nothing more than an excavated pit. This waterlogged trench has become a breeding ground for frogs, which are now the only visible sign of activity at the site. Beyond this, no actual progress has been made.Mohamed Shafiú, the former Member of Parliament for the Ihavandhoo constituency.
Shifau stated that the development of a hospital in Ihavandhoo was a presidential campaign pledge made by President Muizzu. He further noted that the President had committed to completing the project within the first year of his administration.
The construction of the new hospital in Ihavandhoo was initially awarded to Duplex Private Limited by the previous administration in January 2023. However, citing a lack of progress, the current government officially reassigned the project to the Road Development Corporation (RDC) on January 29, 2025.
With an investment exceeding MVR 123 million, the government has announced plans to develop a 30-bed hospital in Ihavandhoo. According to officials, the project will also include the construction of an accommodation block and a dedicated facility to house essential support services.
