Hanimaadhoo Council is not cooperating with the housing project required for the residents of Hirimaradhoo: Muththalib

Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr. Abdulla Muththalib has stated that the Hanimaadhoo Island Council is failing to cooperate with the government's efforts to construct housing units for the relocation of Hirimaradhoo residents to Hanimaadhoo.

During Monday's Parliament sitting, the Minister was summoned for questioning, where Member for Hanimaadhoo constituency, Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, inquired about the housing units this administration pledged to build in Hanimaadhoo for the residents of Hirimaradhoo.

Responding to the question, the Minister stated that the government is not receiving the necessary cooperation from the Hanimaadhoo Council regarding the matter.

We are not receiving the necessary cooperation from the council, and this lack of support is causing significant challenges. We want to assure the people of Hanimaadhoo that we will provide the housing they need. The project in that island was previously halted because a court case was filed after advance payments were taken without any work being carried out. However, we urge that the housing project for the residents of Hirimaradhoo not be conflated with the housing project for Hanimaadhoo. We intend to move forward with both initiatives. It is crucial that we begin the relocation process for Hirimaradhoo residents as soon as possible. This work must now proceed at full speed within the jurisdiction of Hanimaadhoo. To achieve this, we require the full cooperation of both the local community and the island council.

Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Abdulla Muththalib

The Minister's remarks come amid concerns raised by the Hanimaadhoo Council, which claims the government's plan to relocate the residents of Hirimaradhoo to Hanimaadhoo remains unclear. The council further criticized the project, alleging a lack of transparency in how the relocation process is being conducted.

In an interview with RaajjeTV, Hanimaadhoo Council President Ali Ibrahim stated that although the President had pledged to complete and hand over the keys to the new housing units for the residents of Hirimaradhoo within 18 months, the actual progress of the project remains mired in confusion.

Ali Ibrahim stated that the government has provided assurances regarding the construction of 500 housing units in Hanimaadhoo, as well as the provision of water and sewerage services to the area where 200 plots of land were recently allocated. However, he noted that vital projects previously underway have now come to a standstill, highlighting this as the council's primary grievance. He further emphasized that the council consistently advocates for the completion of ongoing works before initiating new projects.

Denying allegations that the land allocated for the relocation of Hirimaradhoo residents is being reclaimed by the government due to a lack of cooperation, Ali Ibrahim stated that the council has not taken any action to withhold support for the project.

Citing the residents of Hirimaradhoo, Ali Ibrahim stated that the community remains unclear on the government’s official plan regarding their relocation and the abandonment of the island. He specifically noted that the residents are unaware of the location of the 184 housing units promised by the government, and have received no information regarding the legal registration or ownership status of these properties.

Ali Ibrahim stated that the Hanimaadhoo Council remains committed to advocating for the rights of the people of Hirimaradhoo and will ensure they receive all the essential services they are entitled to.