Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has transferred the management of Hurendhoo in Gaafu Alifu Atoll under the jurisdiction of the Kolamaafushi Island Council to transform it into a picnic island. The agreement was signed by Minister of State Akram Kamaludeen and Vice President of Kolamaafushi Island Council Shahaamath Haneef.
The management of Hurendhoo will be overseen by the Kolamaafushi Island Council for a duration of five years under the terms of the agreement. The decision to entrust the management of Hurendhoo to the Kolamaafushi Island Council was made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and it comes with specific conditions in accordance with Article 5 of the Regulation on Uninhabited Islands of the Maldives for Fisheries, Agriculture, and Economic Purposes.
President of Kolamaafushi Island Council Ibrahim Waheed said that there is currently no suitable area on the island for residents to enjoy beach outings or picnics. As a result, he said the government granted the management of Hurendhoo to the council in response to their request for a designated island where residents can go for recreational purposes. He further mentioned that Hurendhoo will be developed into a picnic island once the formal transfer to the council is completed with essential picnic facilities set to be established on the island.
Kolamaafushi has a population exceeding 1,600 residents, and Hurendhoo is just a short five-minute ride away. Hurendhoo spans three hectares in size.