President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that residents of Hirimaradhoo island of Haa Dhaal atoll will be relocated to Hanimaadhoo island in the same atoll within the next 18 months.

During a visit to Hirimaradhoo on Sunday, President Muizzu outlined the government's relocation plan, stating that each resident would be allocated a plot and a completed house in Hanimaadhoo. He also pledged additional financial assistance to support the transition, noting that even if there is no house on an individual's own plot, a house will be constructed on the new plot provided.

The announcement comes months after Muizzu’s previous visit to the island on 26 February 2024, during which he pledged to begin construction of a new council office within 20 days. At that time, he also committed to addressing the council’s request for harbor expansion, promising to give the matter “special attention.”

The president recently said that the government would review and increase the amount of money given previously and that this it an effort to brighten the future of the island's residents.

Highlighting that practical work would begin “very soon” in Hanimaadhoo, Muizzu stated that the administration will proceed at a rapid pace and hand it over within at least 18 months.

Muizzu stated that when relocating the island residents, the government has decided to proceed with its population and development consolidation policy in a way that financially benefits the residents of the island, regardless of what the government does in their native island. He said that they have decided to do things in a way that economically benefits the people of Hirimaradhoo as well.

A framework agreement has been signed between the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure and the Housing Development Corporation Limited (HDC) to implement a housing project in the area designated for the residents migrating from Hirimaradhoo to Hanimaadhoo, and to establish municipal services.