Council rejects release of 1.5 hectares for Google project without revenue guarantee

The Addu City Council has resolved not to release 1.5 hectares of land requested by the government for a Google project unless the arrangement generates income for the council.

The land is intended for an International Submarine Cable Landing Station and a Network Facility in Hithadhoo district of southernmost Addu City.

The decision came during Thursday’s council meeting after reviewing a proposal from the committee overseeing land issues.

The committee recommended withholding the land unless an agreement is secured with the ministry to ensure the council receives rent for the allocation.

Councilors estimated that the government-allocated land could yield MVR 1.5 million in monthly rent, totaling MVR 18 million a year. The meeting underscored that securing this revenue is a priority for the council.

The land in question lies within the reclaimed area of Hithadhoo and had previously been registered under the construction ministry at the government’s request, an action the council opposed. Some councilors noted they agreed to that registration only because the government warned that Addu’s Land Use Plan (LUP) would not be approved otherwise.

The matter resurfaced when the government requested re-registration of the land under the economic ministry instead of the construction ministry. After learning that the land is now intended for the Google project, the land-issues committee determined that releasing it without revenue would not be viable for Addu City or the council.

Google announced its new subsea cable system, “Dhivaru,” on November 17, stating that it will connect the Maldives, Christmas Island, and Oman as part of the company’s Australia Connect initiative. The project is described as an important regional infrastructure link at a time of rapid global expansion in digital services driven by Artificial Intelligence.

Councilors characterized Thursday’s decision as a critical step in safeguarding the council’s interests.