Meemu Atoll council seeks end to tourism project delays

Meemu Atoll Council has raised concerns over delays in implementing tourism projects planned across the atoll’s islands, citing a lack of necessary approvals from the Ministry of Tourism since the previous administration. The council presented these concerns to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during his visit to Veyvah, the first stop of his tour in Meemu Atoll, where he also met with residents.

During the meeting, Veyvah Council President Mamdhooh Waheed explained that in 2022, councils from all islands in the atoll initiated an integrated tourism project. Believing that the opening of an airport in the atoll would further boost tourism, they collectively decided to construct a 30-bed guesthouse on each island using council funds.

“The goal was to launch the project across the entire atoll, with each island building a 30-bed guesthouse. Land has already been allocated for this purpose,” Mamdhooh said.

He expressed concern over the Ministry of Tourism’s failure to issue the required permits, despite land being cleared for construction in Veyvah.

“The permit request was submitted to the Ministry on December 24, 2024. We have yet to receive a response. Investors have given us a final deadline to proceed. This is a major project that will benefit the entire atoll and this island,” he added.

Mamdhooh emphasized that the project would empower local councils, reduce the burden on the state budget through decentralization, and significantly increase council revenues.

“When the current council took office, our annual income was MVR 320,000. If we reach our target, that figure is expected to rise to MVR 19 million by 2027,” he stated.

He further highlighted Meemu Atoll’s lag in development compared to other regions in the Maldives, noting that many residents and visitors have pointed this out.

“The Member of Parliament told me just last week that during his visit to Alif Alif Atoll, he observed that Meemu is at least 15 years behind in terms of prosperity and development. I agree with that,” Mamdhooh said.

Regarding tourism development, he lamented the lack of local benefits despite six islands being allocated for resort development in the atoll.

“We have had a bitter experience with tourism in this atoll. None of the resort allocations have brought any tangible benefits to our communities,” he said.

As a result, Mamdhooh said he reached out to other councils within the atoll to collectively pursue the integrated local tourism project.

In response, President Muizzu assured that he would investigate the delays and look into the matter.