Hanimaadhoo residents still await tree compensation: Council President
Hanimaadhoo Council President Ali Ibrahim has expressed serious concern over the government's failure to compensate residents for property seized during local development projects. Despite official assurances that compensation would be provided for over 9,000 trees cleared from the airport's safety zone and land designated for the relocation of Hirimaradhoo residents, Ali confirmed that no payments have been issued to date. He emphasized that the seizure of private property without due compensation is unacceptable and remains a significant grievance for the community.
Ali Ibrahim, President of the HDh. Hanimaadhoo Island Council, speaking during RaajjeTV’s "Fashaairu" program. | RaajjeMV
The President of the Hanimaadhoo Island Council, Ali Ibrahim, has stated that residents have not received the compensation owed to them for their trees and vegetation, further accusing the administration of "stealing" from the people's natural assets.
Speaking on RaajjeTV's "Fashaairu" programme, Council President Ali expressed concern regarding the issue of trees belonging to the residents of Hanimaadhoo being cut down.
As the government moves forward with plans to relocate the residents of HDh. Hirimaradhoo to Hanimaadhoo, Ali highlighted concerns regarding the designated plot of land. He noted that the area is marshy and contains a significant number of trees belonging to local residents. Despite government assurances that compensation would be provided, he stated that no such action has been taken to date. Furthermore, Ali reported that approximately 1,000 to 1,500 trees were cleared and felled to fence the area before any compensation was issued to the owners.
Ali stated that residents are expressing significant concern over the failure to provide compensation for the trees and vegetation. He further noted that the date on which these payments will be received remains unknown.
The land here is swampy. The mud must be cleared and replaced with sand before any housing construction can begin. There are approximately 8,000 to 9,000 trees belonging to the local residents on this site. We have maintained that these trees should not be removed until the owners have been properly compensated. However, we have witnessed HDC officials arriving to carry out the work by encroaching on private property without providing compensation. This is an action we believe even the President would not want to see—seizing the property of ordinary citizens without due process.Hanimaadhoo Council President Ali Ibrahim
Furthermore, Ali highlighted the issue of unpaid compensation for trees removed from the designated "safe zone" during the opening of Hanimaadhoo Airport. Ali stated that approximately 9,000 trees were cleared from the area, yet no compensation has been provided to date.
Amir, we are once again seeing that the issue of vegetation and trees remains a significant concern on this island. When the airport opened, more than 9,000 palm trees were removed from the safety zone after residents were promised compensation. The council has already identified the owners of these trees and submitted their account details and the total counts to the relevant authorities. However, despite the trees already being cleared, the residents have yet to receive any payment.Hanimaadhoo Council President Ali Ibrahim
Ali stated that the prolonged delay in providing compensation for the trees is unacceptable. He further remarked that current events suggest this is an administration that stoops to stealing even from the vegetation.
