The council of Laamu atoll suggests utilizing the islands in the atoll instead of land reclamation projects.
The president of Laamu atoll council Ismail Ali addressed the council's disapproval towards land reclamation. Mr. Ali had addressed on the issue at the ongoing 'Viavathi Raajje' conference.
The conference brings together top figures of the state, council presidents representing southern atolls among other prominent stakeholders.
Mr. Ali further noted that Laamu atoll, which has the largest land area in the country, is better alternative for housing and other similar projects instead of reclaiming land.
Land reclamation projects in the Maldives generally involve heavy dredging and excavation from the house reefs of the islands.
Several patches of land in the atoll have already been leased on long term for commercial purposes, which Laamu atoll council's president bemoaned as an obstacle on public benefit from the lands.
Mr. Ali highlighted the case of L. Baresdhoo, which had been leased out to Maldives Integrated Tourism Development Corporation (MITDC). Under MITDC, the island remained mainly unused.
State recently handed the island over to AgroNet temporarily.
The council president further expressed concern over Kalhaidhoo, leased to Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF). Operations carried out in the island remain largely discreet, said the council president.
He had also criticized the relative inactivity in Gaadhoo, leased to AgroNet.
Following these remarks, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who is helming the conference assured discussions will be held to recommence halted projects in the atoll. The president however, refrained from commenting about the issue surrounding land reclamation.
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