50 bed Casa Mia guesthouse transferred under Mathiveri Council

The 50 bed Casa Mia guesthouse, previously operated by former MP for Kaashidhoo Abdulla Jabir, has been handed over to the AA. Mathiveri Council.

Residents of Mathiveri had requested for the land Casa Mia is located on to be transferred to them during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's visit to the island last December.

At the time, the council raised concerns that the island had not received any benefits from the land over the past eight years. They requested for the land to be transferred to Mathiveri residents, which the President assured that he would do.

The President went to Mathiveri yesterday on his second visit to the island. During the visit, the Casa Mia guesthouse land was transferred to the council during a meeting held with residents.

The land was officially handed over by Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim, and was accepted by Mathiveri Council President Ahmed Aslam.

Addressing residents, President Muizzu emphasized that Casa Mia is key for the island's development. He assured that the council will receive cooperation from all government institutes in matters relating to Casa Mia.

There has been disputes on the island previously as well alleging Jabir owes over MVR 4 million in overdue land rent and that he has not paid salaries to Casa Mia employees. In some such incidents, a room in the guesthouse had been set on fire, and Jabir had been forced off the island during one visit.

The guesthouse is currently vacant and unused.