President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has decided to allocate uninhabited islands to all the councils that submitted requests for island allocation.
Following the President’s decision to allocate uninhabited islands to island councils for economic use, three councils submitted proposals and requested to be allocated islands.
Announcing the President’s decision on social media platform X, Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar said the President has approved the allocation of uninhabited islands to all the councils that submitted proposals. While Inguraidhoo Council in Raa Atoll will be allocated Neyo, Raa Atoll; Dhaalu Atoll Council will receive Minimasgali and Fenfushi, both in Dhaalu Atoll. Maavah Council in Laamu Atoll will be allocated Bodumaabulhali in the same atoll.
The Minister noted that the handover process has already been initiated and is being coordinated in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance.
Last March, President Muizzu announced that the government would facilitate arrangements such that it is easier for councils to obtain permits to conduct income-generating businesses. He emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring that every island and its people are self-reliant. As part of this initiative, he also announced that the period for which uninhabited islands will be allocated to councils will be increased from 10 years to 25 years. Furthermore, councils will have the opportunity to be allocated islands in their jurisdiction and also outside of it if there are no uninhabited islands within the council’s jurisdiction.