Hanimaadhoo Council: School Construction Stalled, Only Shade Nets Being Tied

The Hanimaadhoo Island Council has expressed serious concerns over the prolonged suspension of the project to construct a new building and develop physical infrastructure at Hanimaadhoo School.

Hanimaadhoo Council Vice President Firaq Mohamed stated that the only progress being made by the project contractor is the daily adjustment of the safety netting surrounding the designated work site.

Speaking at a ceremony held during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to meet the residents of Hanimaadhoo in 2025, Firag highlighted the lack of progress on the project. He noted that despite two and a half years having passed since the contract was awarded, no physical work has commenced on-site.

I have walked extensively throughout this interior, and I have not seen a single spot where a foundation has been laid or even any excavation has begun for the construction of a classroom. Is this the bird netting? So, this is supposedly the area where the classrooms are being built.

Vice President of Hanimaadhoo Council, Firaq Mohamed

Firaq further noted that the council was not provided with any information even on the day the project's foundation stone was laid. He stated that the council has not received any documentation confirming that the contract for the work has been awarded. Furthermore, he mentioned that while there are rumors circulating that the project involves the construction of eight classrooms and a laboratory, no official authority has confirmed these details.

The project was officially awarded to the Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC). However, Firag alleged that no employees from the corporation were visible at the site. Instead, he claimed that a foreign national, under the supervision of a political figure, was seen manually knotting sun-netting at the location.

The current state of the work is plain to see, despite the project having been officially handed over to them. Not a single laborer from their team has ever stepped foot on this site. Instead, we hear reports that the project has been entrusted to a local political figure, who allegedly manages it by hiring a few expatriate workers on a casual basis. All they do is come here daily to tie a few knots in some fishing line under the sun. It has been two and a half years now. How can we possibly facilitate the transfer of students to this island and provide them with an education under these circumstances?

Firaq Mohamed, Vice President of the Hanimaadhoo Island Council

Hanimaadhoo School is currently grappling with severe space constraints and overcrowding. This issue is set to intensify following President Muizzu's decision to relocate the residents of Hirimaradhoo to Hanimaadhoo, as the school will also be required to accommodate and provide education for the incoming students from that island.

On the day the project was inaugurated, President Muizzu stated that the development would be carried out to accommodate students from both Hanimaadhoo and those relocating from Hirimaradhoo. However, the lack of progress on the project has sparked significant concern among the residents of both islands.