The development of Uhdhoo, Dhaalu Atoll, as a picnic island for the residential communities of Dhaalu Atoll has commenced. This initiative is the result of a decision by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to designate Uhdhoo for the recreational use of local residents of Dhaalu Atoll.
The decision was made in February, during President Dr Muizzu's visit to Meedhoo, Dhaalu Atoll, as part of a tour of several islands within the atoll. Adam Shareef Umar, the Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works, announced the commencement of the makeover of Uhdhoo as a picnic destination.
Minister Umar stated that planning work has begun to transform Uhdhoo into a picnic island. On Thursday, a team travelled to the island to assess its condition, he revealed. The government aims to open the island as a picnic destination for Dhaalu Atoll residents as soon as possible, he added.
Previously, Uhdhoo was utilised by a private party for commercial purposes. Upon the expiration of the lease agreement, the government regained control of the island, which is now under the jurisdiction of the local government ministry.
Empowering local councils to increase income-generating opportunities for the outer islands has been a priority for President Dr Muizzu. Over the past year, he has undertaken numerous initiatives to this end. Granting jurisdiction of uninhabited islands to local councils enables them to carry out commercial activities and generate revenue for their respective communities.