Vote taken at President's meeting to fell Vilimale' banyan trees

At last night's meeting with Vilimale' residents, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu oversaw a vote that decided to cut down two mature banyan trees on the island. 

Residents shared concerns with President Muizzu during last night's meeting held in the hall of Muhyiddeen School. 

Once main concern aired at the meeting was the roots of the two banyan trees in the empty plot adjacent to the Vilimale' Police Station causing damage to nearby houses. 

One resident who spoke at last night's meeting said that the banyan trees are damaging the houses, causing walls to crumble and littering roofs. 

"All this keeps happening. We should work to protect the environment in a way that benefits humans. I don't think it should be in a way that does not benefit humans," they said. 

"Therefore, I plead with you to solve the issue of these trees in some way."

Another resident said that people residing in homes near the trees are facing a lot of difficulty. Bathrooms in nearby homes are filled with the trees' roots, they said. 

"There is nothing more important than humans. So, trees should also be protected, even if by relocating the tree somewhere else. That tree won't die. We are ready to take pots and water the plant even to help it live, for the sake of those living in the area," they said. 

President Muizzu responded that similar complaints had been received even when he had previously been serving as Male' Mayor. He said that he had visited some of those homes at the time to see the extent of the damage. He assured that the trees will be removed if that is the will of the people. 

"The AG has said that there are no legal issues. The minister has said that a solution can be brought through environmental policies. Why don't you show us what the citizens want? Those in favour of removing those trees, please raise your hands," the President said. 

This led to a show of hands, with an overwhelming majority of those present being in favour of removing the trees.

"So, this has been passed almost unanimously. God willing, it will be done," the President stated. 

Some environmental advocates have expressed concern over this decision on social media.