Tension surrounding relocation of Hirimaradhoo residents to Hanimaadhoo is a "political undercurrent": Minister Adam Shareef

Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar has characterized the tensions surrounding the relocation of HDh. Hirimaradhoo residents to Hanimaadhoo in the same atoll as a "political current."

Efforts to relocate the residents of Hirimaradhoo to Hanimaadhoo have officially commenced. As part of this initiative, residents of Hanimaadhoo staged a protest on the 14th of this month to oppose the allocation of land to the people of Hirimaradhoo from an area originally designated for local residents. The primary concern of the islanders is that priority is being given to those being relocated from another island while their own housing needs remain unaddressed; protesters demanded that land only be allocated to Hirimaradhoo residents after the distribution of plots to Hanimaadhoo locals is completed.

Responding to a question at a press conference held at the President's Office on Tuesday, Minister Adam Shareef Omar stated that the relocation of the residents of Hirimaradhoo to Hanimaadhoo does not fall directly under his ministry's jurisdiction. However, he emphasized that the ministry is closely monitoring all such activities taking place within the atolls.

As efforts to relocate the residents of Hirimaradhoo to Hanimaadhoo continue, Minister Adam Shareef noted the presence of underlying political influences. He stated, however, that no such issues were observed during the initial phase of consultations held with the island's residents and the local council regarding the relocation.

Minister Adam Shareef stated that even at the time, it was noted that relocating the residents of Hirimaradhoo to Hanimaadhoo would bring significant progress, provided that essential services were readily available. The Minister further emphasized that the government's current policy is to move forward by enhancing and strengthening those existing services.

Referring to the tensions surrounding the ongoing project, Minister Adam Shareef stated that the situation is a political maneuver linked to the upcoming local council elections.

As you mentioned, there is a perceived political undercurrent regarding the relocation of the residents of Hirimaradhoo to Hanimaadhoo. However, as someone who closely monitored the process from its inception, I did not observe these issues during the initial discussions. Throughout the preliminary talks, community consultations, and meetings with both the residents and the council—all of which I was personally involved in—no such concerns were raised. At that time, we did not identify these matters as being the kind of problems currently being suggested.

Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar

Minister Adam Shareef stated that the relocation of the residents of Hirimaradhoo to Hanimaadhoo will be managed in a way that benefits the communities of both islands, emphasizing that the challenges involved are not insurmountable. He further noted that the project is expected to commence in the near future, which will lead to a swift resolution of the existing issues.