The government has announced that Vangaaru, an island in the same lagoon as Haa Alif atoll Thuraakunu, is henceforth under the jurisdiction of Thuraakunu.
The government has announced that Vangaaru, an island in the same lagoon as Haa Alif atoll Thuraakunu, is henceforth under the jurisdiction of Thuraakunu.
In 2016, a decision was made to develop Vangaaru for use in tourism for USD 2.8 million.
However, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration reversed the decision and decided to include Vangaaru under the jurisdiction of Thuraakunu as per the wishes of the island's residents.
The resolution to place Vangaaru under Thuraakurunu's jurisdiction was ultimately signed today by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, as per the Decentralization Act.
Vangaaru, located about 300 meters away from Thuraakunu, is 11 hectares in size.
Additionally, Maafarufalhu, located just south of Alif Dhaalu Mahibadhoo, has been placed under Mahibadhoo's jurisdiction. The distance between Mahibadhoo and Maafarufalhu is approximately 1.4km.