The Baa Atoll Council has made a decision to lease four sandbanks for a duration of 10 years. The decision was made in light of the potential financial benefits that leasing these sandbanks for an extended period could bring to the council.
The sandbanks earmarked for lease include Nurafaru sandbank, Villingilifaru sandbank, the sandbank located to the east of Landaagiraavaru Resort, and the sandbank located to the west of the resort. Three out of the four sandbanks have already been acquired by resorts, while the remaining one has been obtained by a private owner. Previously, the four sandbanks collectively generated an annual income of USD156,000.
The sandbanks are being leased out for an extended period under the condition of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project. Any proposal for acquiring the sandbanks must allocate a minimum USD32,000 towards CSR, and the CSR contribution must be paid within a span of two years.
President of the Baa Atoll Council Ahmed Afrah expressed optimism about the decision, highlighting its potential to improve the council's financial standing. He noted that previously, the sandbanks were used by resorts without any rental payment, whereas now the community stands to benefit from the lease agreements.
Additionally, Afrah commended President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's initiative to empower councils and enhance their financial capabilities, considering it a significant step towards council empowerment. He anticipates that the initiative will enable councils to better serve the public by providing essential services in the future.
The council had previously decided to rent out many sandbanks in the atoll, in November this year, however the previous government designated four areas of the in the atoll as protected areas instead.