Shaviyani Feevah Council has built a five-room guesthouse on the island using savings made by reducing expenditure from its allocated budget.

The two storey guesthouse has five rooms, two living rooms, a terrace and a kitchen, council President Ali Rasheed told Mihaaru News.

The guesthouse was built at a cost of MVR5.1 million. Rasheed said the funds were raised by reducing expenditure from the council’s allocated budget.

He said the council has handed over management of the guesthouse to Balma Sunset for 20 years.

“The guests who come to the island need a way to eat and sleep. That’s why we opened this place to start tourism on the island,” Rasheed said.

He said the guesthouse will generate MVR22,500 per month during its first five months, after which the revenue will increase annually.

Rasheed said a terminal and restaurant have also recently opened on the island.

The council is undertaking these projects to establish local tourism services on Feevah, he said, adding that the guesthouse is the first of its kind to open on the island.

He said revenue generated by the guesthouse will be used for the development of the council and the island.