Velidhoo (Noonu Atoll)
Velidhoo
ވެލިދޫ | |
|---|---|
  Velidhoo Location in Maldives | |
| Coordinates: 05°39′45″N 73°16′24″E / 5.66250°N 73.27333°E | |
| Country | Maldives |
| Geographic atoll | Miladhummadulhu Atoll |
| Administrative atoll | Southern Miladhunmadulu |
| Distance to Malé | 166.52 km (89.91 nmi) |
| Dimensions | |
| • Length | 1.19 km (0.74 mi) |
| • Width | 0.71 km (0.44 mi) |
| Population (2022)[1] | |
• Total | 1,832 |
| Time zone | UTC+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 and is well-known for constructing safari boats, which play a vital role in the Maldives' tourism industry.[3]
History
The first settlers arrived on Velidhoo in the 5th century, with Indian travelers believed to be among the earliest inhabitants.
Throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries, Velidhoo faced the challenges of an increasing population and the need for expanded space. This led to several land reclamation projects designed to create more habitable areas and support economic activities such as fishing and tourism. One of the most significant milestones in the island's development was the land reclamation project completed in 2010. A total of 14 hectares of land were reclaimed, a massive expansion that greatly altered the island's geography. The reclaimed land allowed for more housing, infrastructure, and public amenities to support the growing population. The project also included the construction of a 255-meter revetment designed to protect the newly reclaimed land from erosion and storm surges. This reclamation project was completed over 280 days at a cost of MVR 18.25 million.
Velidhoo is home to a banyan tree believed to be over 300 years old. Its age and size have earned it a spot as one of the most significant natural landmarks on the island.
Demography
The statistics show the population of the island continues to grow at a steady rate.
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1,716 | — |
| 2014 | 1,722 | +0.3% |
| 2022 | 1,832 | +6.4% |
| 2006–2022: Census populations Source: [4][1] | ||
Governance
Government Offices
This island has most government offices just like the capital island.
- The Secretariat of the Velidhoo Council
- Velidhoo Police Station
- Noonu Velidhoo Magistrate Court
- Noonu Atoll Education Centre
- Velidhoo Health Centre
- FENAKA Corporation - Velidhoo Branch
- Maldives Post - Noonu Velidhoo Branch
- Bank of Maldives - Velidhoo Branch
- Velidhoo Waste Management Centre
Island chiefs
Below is a list of people who have filled the post of island chief (dates are provided where known).
- Katheebu Kaleyge – Muththoshige Gasim Fulhu (late) – 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
- Mohamed Adil - Iramaage (President)
- Ahmed Saeed - Asdhoo (Vice President)
- Ahmed Ziyaad - Maadhuni
- Ahmed Siraaj - France
- Mohamed Faiz - Athiriaage
Second Elected Velidhoo Council - 13 March 2013
- 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
- Asma Hussain - Aahama (President)
- Ahmed Jaufaru - Dearhouse (Vice President)
- Adam Ali - Hasthee (Council Member)
Fourth Elected Velidhoo Council - 17 May 2021
- 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
- Shareefa Hassan - Janbuge
- Khadheeja Adam - Hive
- Aiminath Suneela - Adha
- Khadheeja Ibrahim - Bahaaruge
- Dhiyana Abdul Razzaq - Uraha
List of people who have been judges
- 1-Ibrahim Moosa Kaleyfaanu (Naibu dhonkokko) (late) – Seesange
- 2-Abdul Azeez Moosa Kaleyfaanu
- 3-Ibrahim Haleem
- 4-Mohamed Ibrahimfulhu (Miladhoo Mohamed fulhu)
- 5-Mohamed Haleem
- 6-raking
Wards
Velidhoo has a total of 3 wards: Uthuru (north), Dhekunu (south), and Fasgan'du (reclaimed land).
Transport
The new harbour was opened by President Abdulla Yameen in 2017.[5] The harbour, built by MTCC, is 240 m (800 ft) long and 76 m (250 ft) wide.[6][7]
The Velidhoo Road Development Project, contracted to the Road Development Corporation (RDC)[8] 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
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
The Raajje Transport Link (RTL), operated by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), provides a public ferry service in the Maldives with high-speed speedboat ferries. 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. [9]
Boats
- Concord Express
- Blue Marine-9
- Sosan Express
- Royal 10
- Life Line
Speed boats and ferry services
- Hope Travels
- Legion
- Flying Fish
Education
NAEC (Noonu Atoll Education Centre) in Velidhoo was opened in 1981 and teaches students up to grade 10.[10]
Hinz Preschool, a privately owned institution in Velidhoo, provides early childhood education.
In the early days, the location now occupied by Hinz preschool in Velidhoo was home to Nahuza preschool.
Health
The main healthcare medical centre is the government run Velidhoo Health Centre[11][12], along with the STO Pharmacy.[13]
Another pharmacy is the private run Mazi Chemist Two located near the health centre.[13]
There is a private clinic called Medicrest Clinic & Diagnostics.[14]
References
- ^ a b "Table P5: Resident Population by island and sex, 2022" (PDF). Maldives Census. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
- ^ "Velidhoo". Maldives Virtual Tour. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
- ^ "Visit Velidhoo – #visitvelidhoo". Retrieved 25 January 2025.
- ^ "Table 3.3: Total Maldivian Population by Islands" (PDF). National Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
- ^ "Yameen cuts ribbons for new harbours on northern atolls tour". Maldives Independent. 24 December 2017. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
- ^ "N. Velidhoo Harbor Officially Opened". Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. 24 December 2017. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
- ^ "Contracts Awarded for IDB Phase 2 and New Jetty". Dredging Today. 30 November 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
- ^ "Design & Build of Major Roads at N. Velidhoo". rdcmaldives. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
- ^ "MTCC Customer portal". rtl.mv. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ^ "Ministry of Education | Official Website". www.moe.gov.mv. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ "Velidhoo Health Centre". noonuatoll.gov.mv. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ "Velidhoo Health Centre". health.gov.mv. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ a b "Authorized Pharmacy List" (PDF). health.gov.mv. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ "Operating Private Health Facilities" (PDF). Ministry of Health. Retrieved 11 August 2025.