Under the initiative to financially empower local island councils, five more councils have submitted requests to place seven uninhabited islands under their jurisdiction, Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar revealed Thursday.
The decision to allocate uninhabited islands to local councils is part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s long term plan to facilitate and encourage economic and industrial activities in land scarce islands. The plan is designed to offer much needed financial and economic empowerment to local councils.
The initiative was launched in January with four uninhabited islands officially placed under the jurisdiction of three island councils.
Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, the Minister noted that the three councils had submitted sound proposals for the use of the uninhabited islands.
Minister Adam Shareef said the initiative has been widely received by the local councils adding that five more councils have submitted proposals seeking the jurisdictions of seven different uninhabited islands.
"There are already five more councils that have applied for seven islands. That is a proposal from Haa Dhaalu Atoll Council for Faridhoo, Emboodhoo, Raa Dhuvaafaru Island Council for Emboodhoo, Faafu Atoll Council for Makunueri, Gaafu Dhaalu Dhevvadhoo Island Council for Viligalaa and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll Council for Maanaidhoo, Vaareyaadhoo and Lonudhoo,” he detailed.
The Minister said the government is now reviewing and seeking out more information from the councils about the proposals.
Uninhabited islands are allocated to councils for industrial activities including agriculture, fisheries and tourism. However, rather than leasing the entire island to an investor, the government has encouraged direct involvement of councils and locals in such business ventures.