The administration has announced its approval of the request by the residential community of Hirimaradhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, to permanently relocate to another island. This decision was revealed by Heena Waleed, Chief Spokesperson for the President's Office, through a social media post.
According to Waleed, the administration will oversee the permanent relocation of the Hirimaradhoo community to Hanimaadhoo, within the same atoll. The initial request for relocation was submitted by the residents of Hirimaradhoo in September 2024, and deliberations commenced in October of the same year. The administration has resolved to honour the request from the Hirimaradhoo community to relocate to Hanimaadhoo, Waleed confirmed.
In a related development, Adam Shareef Umar, Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works, revealed that the ministry has initiated deliberations regarding the relocation process. In a social media post, Minister Umar confirmed that discussions on the procedural aspects are underway. A comprehensive roadmap will be developed to facilitate the move, according to him, with physical relocation efforts set to commence at the earliest opportunity.
Hirimaradhoo is recognised as one of the nation's least populated islands with a registered population of 293 residents according to the latest census. Additionally, the residential community of Rakeedhoo in Vaavu Atoll has also requested government assistance for relocation to another island.
The administration has articulated its objective to concentrate national development within seven distinct zones, thereby focussing the growth of these regions. In alignment with this strategy, the administration had previously decided to permit the residential communities of smaller islands to relocate to larger population centres.