Gov't undermining residents of both islands by claiming Hirimaradhoo will be relocated to Hanimaadhoo: Council

The Hanimadhoo Island Council has accused President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration of marginalizing the residents of both Hanimadhoo and Hirimaradhoo, following the government's decision to relocate the population of Hirimaradhoo to Hanimadhoo.

Speaking on Friday's "Fashaairu" program, the President of the Hirimaradhoo Island Council, Ali Ibrahim, expressed concern over the government's current approach to relocating the island's residents to Hanimaadhoo.

Ali stated that the government lacks any sincere commitment to relocating the residents of Hirimaradhoo to Hanimaadhoo, noting that the current approach is causing significant hardship for the people of both islands.

Ali stated that while the residents of Hirimaradhoo are set to relocate to Hanimaadhoo, the necessary resources must be established first. However, he noted that no progress has been made on this front. He further highlighted that no budget has been allocated to carry out this work.

Noting that these efforts were previously carried out under a structured plan, Ali stated that while the process was overseen by the Minister of Cities, Adam Shareef Umar at the time, the current status of the project remains unclear. He further noted that although an agreement had been reached to form a committee comprising government officials and representatives from Hanimaadhoo and Hirimaradhoo, no such committee has been established to date.

Once the President reached a decision, the matter was brought to us during the previous term by the then Minister of Cities, Adam Shareef. To be fair, he approached the task with great diligence and sincerity, exactly as it should have been handled. We provided guidance on the necessary procedures, and through our discussions and meetings, an agreement was reached. This plan included the construction of 500 housing units in Hanimaadhoo, as well as arrangements to build homes on 200 existing plots. Furthermore, it encompassed the installation of water, sanitation, and electricity for 200 houses, the construction of additional classrooms for the school, and the development of the hospital. All these projects were to proceed alongside the construction of 184 homes for the residents of Hirimaradhoo. The rationale is that once the people of Hirimaradhoo relocate here, they will become residents of this island. Therefore, when an entire community migrates, the receiving island must undergo significant developmental upgrades. These residents are moving not because they dislike their original island, but because of a lack of essential resources.

Hanimaadhoo Council President Ali Ibrahim

Ali stated that although the residents of Hirimaradhoo have been officially designated as residents of Hanimaadhoo, no practical steps have been taken to facilitate their relocation, nor has the government provided any cooperation in this regard. He further noted that had the current administration not dissolved the Atoll Councils, the council would have taken responsibility for overseeing and executing the relocation process.

On December 30, 2025, President Muizzu designated the residents of Hirimaradhoo as residents of Hanimaadhoo, while they were still physically residing in Hirimaradhoo.