Administrative services on Vaavu atoll Rakeedhoo have come to a halt after nearly all members of the island council and its administrative staff resigned, prompting residents to close the council premises.
Rakeedhoo is one of the least populated islands in Maldives, with around 60 residents.
Vaavu Atoll Council president Shujau Ali said on X that three administrative staff members and councilors had resigned, leaving only two members in place and bringing council services to a standstill.
“As services to the people were completely stopped, some residents came out and closed the council office,” he said.
Photos shared by Shujau on X, showed the council office door boarded up, with desks placed against the entrance.
Local Government Minister Adam Shareef Umar said staffing shortages were a growing problem on sparsely populated islands.
In a post on X, he said it has become increasingly difficult to recruit and retain administrative staff in smaller settlements, particularly where local tourism and other economic opportunities have expanded.
He added that he is working with relevant institutions to address the issue.
Many residents of Rakeedhoo are understood to be living on other islands due to the limited population and opportunities on the island.
