President encourages residents to relocate to larger islands

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the government is encouraging people living on smaller islands with limited resources to relocate to larger islands, while emphasizing that any move will only take place with the consent of residents. 

Speaking in Thaa Atoll Kinbidhoo, during his ongoing tour of the atoll, President Muizzu highlighted population consolidation as a key policy of his administration.

“People will be allowed to move to larger islands,” he said.

“However, it should be something that the people themselves willingly want us to do.”

He stressed the importance of the proposed causeway linking Kinbidhoo and Veymandoo, saying the connection would create opportunities for residents of both islands and encourage migration to the area.

He assured the public that the project would be completed, adding that it would be carried out under an investor-financing model as part of the Elaa integrated tourism island development.

The President further announced plans to provide significant concessions for tourism development in Thaa Atoll, saying this would help bring the causeway project to life.

He noted that residents of several islands including Rakeedhoo in Vaavu Atoll, Raiymandhoo in Meemu Atoll, and Kinbidhoo in Thaa Atoll had already expressed interest in relocating under the government’s consolidation policy.