The government has completed the evaluation of proposals submitted by three local councils to acquire uninhabited islands.
Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef said two island councils and one atoll council have submitted proposals to acquire uninhabited islands so far, in accordance with the decision of President Mohamed Muizzu to let councils acquire islands for economic activities. Minister Shareef announced that the ministry has completed evaluation of proposals submitted by local councils in accordance to the policy of the president. He said evaluation reports of those three councils will be submitted to the President's office in the coming week. Final decisions on such proposals will be made by the president.
Earlier this year, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu pledged to make it easier for councils to obtain permits to operate income-generating businesses. He stated that the administration aims to make all the islands and the island communities self-reliant and self-sufficient. As such, he announced that uninhabited islands will be leased to the councils for economic activities. The islands will be leased for a period of 10 to 25 years.