Muizzu Pledges Fish Processing Plant on Maadheli Despite Resort Lease

The Hulhudheli Island Council has expressed concern over the ongoing tourism development of Dhaalu Maadheli, despite President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s earlier pledge to develop the island as a fish processing factory.

Expressing his concern regarding the matter, Hulhudheli Council President Ahmed Nasru told RaajjeTV that the residents of Hulhudheli have always considered Maadheli to be an integral part of their community. He further noted that the government had previously provided assurances that a fish processing factory would be established on the island.

Hulhudheli stands to benefit significantly from this development, given its status as a fishing community. The most advantageous outcome for local fishermen would be the transformation of Maadheli into a fish processing factory. This aligns with the formal pledges already made and documented in the manifesto, which explicitly states that the site will be developed into a fish collection and processing facility.

Ahmed Nasru, President of the Hulhudheli Council

Nasru stated that President Dr. Muizzu pledged to establish a fish processing factory on Maadheli, despite the island having already been leased for tourism development. He further noted that resort construction on the island is currently underway.

Highlighting that the waters surrounding Hulhudheli are among the most productive fishing grounds, Nasru expressed concern over the challenges faced by local fishermen due to the absence of an ice plant on the island.

The establishment of a fish processing factory on the island of Maadheli was a key pledge made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during his 2023 presidential campaign. However, as the island had previously been leased for resort development, the Ministry of Fisheries has now decided to relocate the project to F. Nilandhoo.