Minister Shareef Umar in a post on social media platform X last night said that Hirimaradhoo Council Chairman Mohamed Waheed raised concerns about the buildup of sand in the island’s harbour channel, which is creating difficulties residents.
Residents of Haa Dhaalu atoll Hirimaradhoo have called for the government to expedite their relocation.
Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar in a post on social media platform X last night said that Hirimaradhoo Council Chairman Mohamed Waheed raised concerns about the buildup of sand in the island’s harbour channel, which is creating difficulties for those entering and leaving the island.
Minister Shareef stated that the government will collaborate with relevant authorities to address the harbour issue.
The council has requested the government to speed up the relocation process for the residents of Hirimaradhoo.
Last month, the Local Government Ministry held discussions with the Hirimaradhoo council, where residents expressed their desire to relocate to Kaafu atoll Thulusdhoo, a move that was supported by the Thulusdhoo council.
President's Office Spokesperson Heena Waleed said at the time that no final decision had been made. The feasibility of the relocation is currently being evaluated, with the outcome expected to align with the 20 year development master plan, which is set to be completed within the next year.
Hirimaradhoo is the island with the lowest population in Haa Dhaalu atoll, which has a total of thirteen islands. As per the last census, the island has a resident population of just 293, with 157 men and 136 women.
Statistics indicate that the population of the island is continuing to decrease annually. As such, the 2014 census recorded the island's resident population at 314.
Residents from islands in Haa Dhaalu atoll have been relocated earlier as well. Some islands in the atoll from which people have been relocated include Kumburudhoo, Faridhoo and Maavaidhoo. Residents from these three islands had at the time been relocated to Hanimadhoo and Nolhivaramfaru in the same atoll.
Sign In
