Local councils have praised the government's decision to allow the allocation of uninhabited islands to councils that are not in their jurisdiction, stating that it will double their income.
The Ministry of Housing, Land and Infrastructure Development has published an amendment to the regulation on leasing uninhabited islands for use other than for fisheries, agriculture, industrial and economic purposes. The new rules allow councils to request the use of uninhabited islands not under their jurisdiction.
Council members who spoke to PSM News said they have always requested the government to allow them to use uninhabited islands not in their jurisdiction, but previous governments had ignored the requests. They said that the new rules are a testament to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's efforts to empower the councils and highlighted how it will open more opportunities for councils to generate revenue and develop their islands.
Additionally, President of Eydhafushi Council Mohamed Fathih said the councils are now dependent on government grants. However, he said the change will allow councils to develop their island without relying on the government. In addition, President of Madaveli Council Fiaz Hassan said his island has many young people who have completed higher education in various fields and the youth are ready to invest and develop the local economy. Therefore, he said the island council and the residents will benefit from receiving uninhabited islands under the new rules.
In a post on X, Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef said that empowering councils is part of President Muizzu's policy. He expressed confidence that all the councils would take full advantage of the allocation of uninhabited islands under the new rules.