Haalu Kihineh?: Workers in Thilafushi express deep concern over lack of water and sewerage services and deteriorating condition of roads

Workers in K. Thilafushi have expressed serious concerns over the lack of essential services on the island, highlighting the absence of water and sewerage systems, the dilapidated state of the roads, and the lack of emergency medical facilities.

Numerous workers expressed their grievances regarding the current situation during RaajjeTV’s "Haalu Kihineh?" program. The primary concern highlighted by those working in Thilafushi is the deteriorating condition of the island's roads. According to the workers, the streets become completely flooded whenever it rains. Furthermore, they noted that the poor state of the infrastructure is causing significant damage to the vehicles operating on the island.

Therefore, this is no longer just a road for driving; it is no longer a path solely for vehicles. This area is now reaching a point of total congestion and ruin. When it floods, vehicles are submerged in water and mud, making it impossible for motorcycles to navigate. While pickups are forced to continue their trips to transport goods regardless of the conditions, motorcycles inevitably stall in the deluge. The area is overwhelmed by the stench of waste, and even when it remains flooded for a week or two, there is no consideration given to repairing the road.

A worker in Thilafushi

At the same time, workers in Thilafushi have expressed deep concern over the lack of water and sewerage infrastructure. One worker explained that they are forced to transport water manually using tanks. The workers also highlighted persistent difficulties in accessing electricity, noting that successive governments have failed to address any of these fundamental issues.

Furthermore, a local worker noted that the ferry system remains unchanged from its original state and emphasized the need to increase the frequency of scheduled trips.

Ferry frequencies must be increased immediately. The current two-hour intervals should be reduced to hourly departures. Even the late afternoon service, which currently runs every thirty minutes, remains consistently at full capacity, including the 6:30 PM ferry. This is due to a significant surge in passenger traffic, with commuter numbers increasing by 80 percent in both directions.

A laborer in Thilafushi

A worker in Thilafushi has expressed concerns over the lack of emergency medical services on the island, noting that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has yet to fulfill his pledge to develop a hospital there. Sharing his personal grievances, the worker highlighted the significant difficulties faced due to the absence of immediate medical care.

That night, for instance, I was in constant pain and crying from that moment until 11:00 p.m. because I could not get the necessary treatment. Even after doctors administered about 11 injections, there was no relief; it was only after they performed a surgical incision that my condition improved. The point I want to make is that if there were a hospital in Thilafushi, emergency medical care would be accessible much faster.

A worker in Thilafushi

Every individual interviewed from Thilafushi noted that no government leader has ever visited the island to assess its condition. Consequently, workers on the island expressed frustration that despite Thilafushi generating significant revenue for the state, no efforts have been made toward its development. They have called upon the authorities to address their grievances and provide a lasting solution.