The Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr. Abdulla Muththalib has stated that they are facing difficulties due to Hanimaadhoo Council not being cooperative regarding the government's housing project in Hanimaadhoo in the relocation of HDh. Hirimaradhoo residents to the island.
During his visits to the northern islands in August 2025, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had gone to Hirimaradhoo and awarded the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) the project to establish housing, as per the requests of Hirimaradhoo residents, and municipal services in Hanimaadhoo within a year and a half. However, no practical work has begun as of yet.
During today's Parliament sitting, Hanimaadhoo Constituency MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa questioned the minister about the project.
The minister answered that he has requested cooperation from the MP as well in building flats in Hanimaadhoo for the residents of Hirimaradhoo, which has been declared an uninhabited island. The minister said there has been no cooperation from the Hanimaadhoo Council regarding the project and that they have been facing difficulties.
Muththalib went on to say the housing project for Hirimaradhoo residents is a separate project, and that the government will move forward with the housing project for Hanimaadhoo residents.
"Please do not combine the housing for Hirimaradhoo residents and the housing being constructed at Hanimaadhoo. We will move forward with both projects. It is important the housing project begins quickly so that Hirimaradhoo residents can be relocated," said the minister.
"We need cooperation from the island council and island residents for the project."
Hirimaradhoo has the smallest population out of the 13 islands in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, which currently has no council. Residents from the island cast their votes to Hanimaadhoo Council during the latest election. The Hanimaadhoo Council has been given the responsibility of providing services to Hirimaradhoo residents after the Hirimaradhoo Council was dissolved.
Hanimaadhoo Council, currently in charge of managing Hirimaradhoo, has presented HDh. Hirimaradhoo residents with the opportunity to note down their names if they want to relocate to HA. Hoarafushi.
