First Lady Opens Mulaku Recreation Centre After Years of Project Delays

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has officially inaugurated the M. Mulaku Fitness and Recreation Centre, delivering a critical piece of community infrastructure that had remained unfinished for over six years. The project, which first saw its foundation stone laid in 2018, faced chronic delays under multiple contractors before the current administration handed the project to the Road Development Corporation (RDC) for completion. The opening marks the end of a long wait for the youth and residents of Mulaku, who have long campaigned for dedicated sports facilities. The new centre is designed as a comprehensive hub for health and wellness. Its facilities include an indoor gym, two badminton courts, and two volleyball courts, alongside areas for billiards, table tennis, and carrom. The centre also provides necessary administrative offices and restroom facilities to support daily operations. This initiative aligns with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to establish fitness and recreation centres and outdoor gyms on every inhabited island across the Maldives. These facilities aim to promote healthier lifestyles and foster greater community engagement through organized physical activity. Attending the ceremony, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness Abdulla Rafiu emphasized that the centre serves as more than just a place for exercise. He noted that such facilities are essential for identifying and nurturing athletic talent within the atolls, providing a pathway for island athletes to join national teams and compete on the international stage. Minister Rafiu also highlighted the public health implications of the project, stating that increased physical activity is a primary tool in reducing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) within the community. By providing a safe, indoor space for aerobics and sports, the government hopes to strengthen social ties and improve the overall well-being of the island's population. The inauguration was attended by Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali and members of the local council, signaling a cross-ministerial commitment to improving rural infrastructure and public health.