Residents of Haa Dhaalu Hanimaadhoo have protested against plans to allocate land on the island to people from Hirimaradhoo.
The protest took place last evening, with participants riding motorcycles through the main streets of Hanimaadhoo while holding placards.
According to sources, the protest was sparked by a land use plan approved for Hanimaadhoo that includes plots for residents of Hirimaradhoo.
Photos shared on social media showed protesters expressing dissatisfaction that land had not yet been allocated to some Hanimaadhoo residents while priority was being given to families relocating from Hirimaradhoo.
Protesters said land should first be allocated to Hanimaadhoo residents before plots are given to those relocating from another island.
The island council has not yet commented on the matter.
In August last year, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu visited Hirimaradhoo and handed over a contract to the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to provide housing and municipal services for the island’s residents within 18 months.
At the time, President Muizzu said residents would receive a house in Hanimaadhoo for each plot they owned in Hirimaradhoo, with keys expected to be handed over once the project was completed.
He also said relocation would not be mandatory.
Following the relocation plan, land allocation in Hirimaradhoo was later suspended.
Hirimaradhoo is the least populated island in Haa Alifu atoll. According to the latest census, the island has 293 residents; 157 men and 136 women.
