Velidhoo (Noonu Atoll)

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For other islands, see Velidhoo (disambiguation).

Velidhoo
ވެލިދޫ
Inhabited island
Velidhoo is located in Maldives
Velidhoo
Velidhoo
Location in Maldives
Coordinates: 05°39′45″N 73°16′24″E / 5.66250°N 73.27333°E / 5.66250; 73.27333
CountryMaldives
Geographic atollMiladhummadulhu Atoll
Administrative atollSouthern Miladhunmadulu
Distance to Malé166.52 km (89.91 nmi)
Dimensions
 • Length1.19 km (0.74 mi)
 • Width0.71 km (0.44 mi)
Population
 (2022)[1]
 • Total
2,852
Time zoneUTC+05:00 (MST)

Velidhoo (Dhivehi: ވެލިދޫ) is one of the inhabited islands of Noonu Atoll in the Maldives and is the most populous island of the atoll.[2] Velidhoo is renowned for its skilled craftsmen for building safari boats, which play a vital role in the Maldives' tourism industry.

History

[edit]

The first settlers arrived on Velidhoo in the 5th century, with Aryan immigrants believed have arrived from neighboring regions such as India and Sri Lanka.[3]

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Velidhoo faced the challenge of a growing population which led to the need for additional space. This led to several land reclamation projects aimed at expanding habitable land and supporting key economic activities, particularly fishing and tourism.[4] A major milestone came in 2010, when 14 hectares of land were reclaimed, significantly altering the island's geography. The reclaimed land provided space for new housing, infrastructure, and public amenities to accommodate the rising population. The project also included the construction of a 255-metre revetment to protect the new land from erosion and storm surges. Completed in 280 days at a cost of MVR 18.25 million (approx. US$1.2 million), it marked one of the most significant developments in Velidhoo's modern history.

Velidhoo is also home to a banyan tree believed to be over 300 years old. Its age and size have earned it a place as one of the island's most significant natural landmarks.

Velidhoo (bodu Nikagas) Velidhoo (Big banyan tree)

Demography

[edit]

The statistics show the population of the island continues to grow at a steady rate.

Historical population
YearPop.±%
20061,716—    
20141,722+0.3%
20222,852+65.6%
2006–2022: Census populations
Source: [5][6]

Governance

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Government Offices

[edit]

This island has most government offices just like the capital island.

  • The Secretariat of the Velidhoo Council, South Miladhunmadulu
  • Velidhoo Police Station
  • Velidhoo Magistrate Court, South Miladhunmadulu
  • Noonu Atoll Education Centre
  • Velidhoo Health Centre
  • FENAKA Corporation - Velidhoo Branch
  • Maldives Post - Velidhoo Branch
  • Bank of Maldives - Velidhoo Branch
  • N. Velidhoo Fitness & Recreation Center

Island chiefs

[edit]

Below is a list of people who have held the post of island chief (dates are provided where known).

  • Katheebu Kaleyge – Muththoshige Gasim Fulhu (late)[clarification needed] – Muththosige
  • Ibrahim Moosa Kaleyfaanu (Naibu dhonkokko) (late) – Seesange
  • Hassan Kaleyfaanu (late) – Muththosige
  • Easa Gasim (late) – Daylight
  • Mohamed Gasim (late) – Ochidmaage
  • Abdul Samed Adam Kaleyfanu – Lubomage (3 September 1977 – 7 April 1982)
  • Mohamed Hassan (Magoodhu Mohamed Fulhu) (late) – Dorensyvila (31 March 1970)
  • Mohamed Hassan (late)– Muththoshige (3 June 1964 – 9 July 1977)
  • Mohamed Abubakur (late) – Hilihilage (19 June 1982 – 31 July 1989)
  • Ahmed Waheed (late) (Tholhendhu Waheed) (29 August 1970 – 14 June 1975)
  • Abdul Azeez Moosa Kaleyfaanu – Oasanvilla (late) (6 July 1978 – 19 July 1979)
  • Ali Moosa Kaleyfanu (late) – Elpaso (6 September 1976 – 16 May 1978)
  • Ahmed Wasif (late) – Rediyamge (2 November 1982 – 1 December 1983)
  • Moosa Hassanfulhu – Dheyliyaage (17 November 1965 – 1992)
  • Abdul Rahman Hussain – Kethi (retired)
  • Ibrahim Haleem Ali (late) – Bina (late) (died March 10, 2021)
  • Ibrahim Naeem - Waves (retired)

First Elected Velidhoo Council - 26 February 2011

[edit]
  • Mohamed Adil - Iramaage (President)
  • Ahmed Saeed - Asdhoo (Vice President)
  • Ahmed Ziyaad - Maadhuni
  • Ahmed Siraaj - France
  • Mohamed Faiz - Athiriaage
N.velidhoo council presidents in 2017
Council from 3 June 2017 till 17 May 2021

Second Elected Velidhoo Council - 13 March 2013

[edit]
  • President of council: Ali Ahmeen Boashimaage
  • Vice President: Ibrahim Ali Boashimaage
  • Councilor: Ali Mujthaba - Kethi
  • Councilor: Asma Hussain - Aahama
  • Councilor: Ibrahim Qasim - Fashuvimaage

Third Elected Velidhoo Council - 3 June 2017

[edit]
  • Asma Hussain - Aahama (President)
  • Ahmed Jaufaru - Dearhouse (Vice President)
  • Adam Ali - Hasthee (Council Member)

Fourth Elected Velidhoo Council - 17 May 2021

[edit]
  • Athif Hussain - Aahama (President)
  • Jeehan Mohamed - Aliha (Vice President)
  • Haafiza Ibrahim - Azum
  • Abdulla Abdul Razzaq - Uraha
  • Abdulla Faig - Maahaa

Women's Development Committee - 17 May 2021

[edit]
  • Shareefa Hassan - Janbuge
  • Khadheeja Adam - Hive
  • Aiminath Suneela - Adha
  • Khadheeja Ibrahim - Bahaaruge
  • Dhiyana Abdul Razzaq - Uraha

Judges

[edit]
  • Ibrahim Moosa Kaleyfaanu (Naibu dhonkokko) (late) – Seesange
  • Abdul Azeez Moosa Kaleyfaanu
  • Ibrahim Haleem
  • Mohamed Ibrahimfulhu (Miladhoo Mohamed fulhu)
  • Mohamed Haleem
  • Raking

Wards

[edit]

Velidhoo has a total of 3 wards: Uthuru (north), Dhekunu (south), and Fasgan'du (reclaimed land).

Transport

[edit]

The new harbour was opened by President Abdulla Yameen in 2017.[7] The harbour, built by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), is 240 m (800 ft) long and 76 m (250 ft) wide.[8][9]

The Velidhoo Road Development Project, contracted to the Road Development Corporation (RDC)[10] in November 2021, aims to develop 5 kilometers of roads on Velidhoo Island, Noonu Atoll, with a budget of MVR 88.5 million (approximately USD 5.7 million). The project includes asphalt paving, sidewalks with drainage systems, stormwater management, and the installation of streetlights. As of 2024, significant progress has been made, including curb installations, road leveling, and utility provisions on key roads like Bodu Magu and Sosun Magu, as well as stormwater pump station development. This initiative represents a substantial investment in Velidhoo's infrastructure improvement.

Transportation

[edit]

There are several passenger and cargo boats/speed boats operating between Velidhoo and the capital Malé; it takes about nine hours by sea to reach the destination. However it only takes about 3 hours from Velidhoo to Malé by speed boat. Also there is the option of air transport, from Maafaru International Airport.

Public Transport Service

[edit]

The Raajje Transport Link (RTL), operated by the MTCC, provides a public ferry service in the Maldives with high-speed speedboat ferries.[11][12] Currently, the service operates in Noonu Atoll, with a route that connects the island of Velidhoo to the islands of Fodhdhoo, Holhudhoo, Magoodhoo, and Manadhoo. [13]

Boats

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  • Concord Express
  • Blue Marine-9
  • Sosan Express
  • Royal 10
  • Life Line

Speed boats and ferry services

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  • Hope Travels
  • Legion
  • Flying Fish

Education

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NAEC (Noonu Atoll Education Centre) in Velidhoo was opened in 1981 and teaches students from LKG to Grade 11.[14]

Hinz Preschool, a privately owned institution in Velidhoo, provides early childhood education.

In the early days[when?], the location now occupied by Hinz preschool in Velidhoo was home to Nahuza preschool.

Health

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The main healthcare medical centre is the government run Velidhoo Health Centre[15][16], along with the STO Pharmacy.[17]

Another pharmacy is the private run Mazi Chemist Two located near the health centre.[17]

There is a private clinic called Medicrest Clinic & Diagnostics.[18]

References

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  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference 2022Cencus was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "Velidhoo". Maldives Virtual Tour. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
  3. ^ Larroque, José Luis; Torres, Diego. "Indexado de caminos navegacionales en Wikipedia". Indexado de caminos navegacionales en Wikipedia. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  4. ^ "The Maldives Is Racing To Create New Land. Why Are So Many People Concerned?". Pulitzer Center. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  5. ^ "Table 3.3: Total Maldivian Population by Islands" (PDF). National Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  6. ^ "Table P5: Resident Population by island and sex, 2022" (PDF). Maldives Census. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  7. ^ "Yameen cuts ribbons for new harbours on northern atolls tour". Maldives Independent. 24 December 2017. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  8. ^ "N. Velidhoo Harbor Officially Opened". Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. 24 December 2017. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  9. ^ "Contracts Awarded for IDB Phase 2 and New Jetty". Dredging Today. 30 November 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  10. ^ "Design & Build of Major Roads at N. Velidhoo". rdcmaldives. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
  11. ^ Editorial (25 September 2025). "RTL Ferry Service Launched in Thaa Atoll". Maldives Business Review. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
  12. ^ "RTL services launched in Gaaf Alif and Gaaf Dhaalu Atoll". Maldives Financial Review. 15 July 2023. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
  13. ^ "MTCC Customer portal". rtl.mv. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  14. ^ "Ministry of Education | Official Website". www.moe.gov.mv. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  15. ^ "Velidhoo Health Centre". noonuatoll.gov.mv. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  16. ^ "Velidhoo Health Centre". health.gov.mv. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  17. ^ a b "Authorized Pharmacy List" (PDF). health.gov.mv. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  18. ^ "Operating Private Health Facilities" (PDF). Ministry of Health. Retrieved 11 August 2025.