The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) has begun investigating the case that was filed stating the arrangements for services have not been made for residents of HDh. Hirimaradhoo after the island was declared uninhabited.

The HDh. Hanimaadhoo Council is in charge of tending to the needs of the Hirimaradhoo population. However, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) filed a case to the HRCM last month, stating the council is not doing their jobs in regards to the Hirimaradhoo population and requesting it be looked into as a serious matter.

The case filed by MDP reads that the Hirimaradhoo Council was abolished in violation of the Decentralization Act and that the residents of the island do not have the rights afforded to them under the Constitution.

Because of this, they have requested HRCM to look into the matter.

HRCM said the case filed by MDP has been registered, with the commission investigating the issue.

Hirimaradhoo has the lowest population of the 13 islands in the Haa Dhaalu Atoll. The latest census recorded the island to have a population of 293 people, which are 157 men and 136 women.

The government has decided to build flats in Hanimaadhoo for the residents of Hirimaradhoo. However, no practical work has begun as of yet.

Regarding the delay in developing the houses, the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr. Abdulla Muththalib has stated while speaking in a Parliament sitting that there has been no cooperation from the Hanimaadhoo Council regarding the project and that they have been facing difficulties.

"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 that the housing project begins quickly so that Hirimaradhoo residents can be relocated," said the minister.