Velidhoo (Dhivehi: ÃÂìÃÂèÃÂë) is one of the inhabited islands of Noonu Atoll, an administrative division in Maldives. It is the most populous island in the atoll, with a registered population of 1,832 as of the 2022 census.
Velidhoo is an island in Maldives. The Maldivian islands have been inhabited since at least the 1st century, most likely through migration from parts of South Asia such as India and Sri Lanka.
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. In 2010, 14 hectares of land were reclaimed, greatly altering the island's geography. The reclaimed land provided space for new housing, infrastructure, and public amenities to accommodate the rising population. The projects also included the construction of a 255-metre revetment for a boat beaching area that commenced in 2022.
Archaeological findings and local oral tradition suggest the island has been inhabited for centuries. It is the location of a banyan tree (known locally as the Velidhoo Bodu Nikagas) which is estimated by local tradition to be over 300 years old.
Census data shows that the islandâÂÂs population has continued to grow at a steady rate.
Several government offices are located on the island, including:
Below is a list of individuals who have served as the island chiefs, with dates provided where available.
Velidhoo has a total of three wards: (north), (south), and (reclaimed land).
A new harbour was opened by President Abdulla Yameen in 2017. The harbour, built by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), is long and wide.
The Velidhoo Road Development Project, contracted to the Road Development Corporation (RDC) 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.
There are several passenger, supply, and speed boats operating between Velidhoo and the capital of Maldives, Malé. There is also the option of air transport from Maafaru International Airport and directly from Velidhoo.
The Raajje Transport Link (RTL), operated by the MTCC, provides a public ferry service in 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.
There are several speed boat ferries and supply boats that travel between Malé to Velidhoo and other nearby islands.
The Noonu Atoll Education Centre (NAEC) in Velidhoo was opened in 1981 and teaches students from LKG (Lower Kindergarten) to Grade 11.
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.
The main healthcare medical centre is the government run Velidhoo Health Centre, along with the SPMSCL Pharmacy.