L.Thunburi leased for agricultural development after failed tourism venture

Thunburi island in Laamu atoll, which was meant to be developed as a tourist resort, has been leased for agricultural use.

According to Nasrulla Hassan, the Communications Director of the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources, and Agriculture, Hawks Group won the island's lease in a competitive bidding process on November 21, 2022.

Thunburi was one of the five islands leased for agricultural purposes in 2021.

The 18-hectare island was granted for a period of 21-years at a rate of MVR 0.10 per square foot. As per the rate, the island's lease is a total of MVR 12,908.81.

Ismail Ali, the President of the Laamu Atoll Council, said that the ministry had consulted the council after the Economic Council made the decision to use the island for agricultural purposes. The island was leased after the council said they had no objections to the change.

Thunburi was initially selected to launch the guesthouse and integrated tourism initiative by former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration. However, the Maldives Integrated Tourism Development Corporation (MITDC) decided to carry out the project on Baresdhoo island in the same atoll.

Since then, no developmental projects have been carried out on the island.

The lack of tourism development in the southern Laamu atoll has been a growing concern, according to Ismail. However, he said he was satisfied with the change as it would still create job opportunities for the atoll's residents.