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President designates 'picnic island' for excursions

Ahmed Aiham
03 April 2019, MVT 14:49
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at picnic island ceremony unveiling.
Ahmed Aiham
03 April 2019, MVT 14:49

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Tuesday, designated an island from the recently reclaimed at the Emboodhoo lagoon as a picnic destination for citizens living in Capital City Male', Kaafu Atoll.

During the ceremony held to formalise the allocation of the picnic island, President Solih stated that designating such a place is part of his first '100-day’ pledge, in line with the government’s overarching policy of a "Jazeera Raajje".

He claimed the move would ensure that economic progress occurs in harmony with citizens’ right to enjoy the country’s unique natural blessings.

The government is currently working towards opening the island by the end of 2019.

Thailand's Singha Estate’s USD 800 million investment that spearheaded the development of Emboodhoo lagoon, dubbed the “crossroads” mega-project saw the reclamation of nine islands, out of which, one island will be allocated for public use.

Previously, people visited neighbouring Islands Kuda Bandos, and Feydhoo Finolhu for small vacations, prior to the Islands being utilized for the developments of resorts. Kuda Bandos is now a tourist resort known as Malahini Kuda Bandos.

Establishing an excursion destination is part of President Solih's first '100-day' pledges.

Previously, the ruling government stated that the island allocated for local enjoyment would be a natural one, and not reclaimed land.

The decision to allocate an 'artificial' island has sparked criticism towards the government and with multiple parties requesting the government grant public use of both Feydhoo Finolhu and Kuda Bandos, instead.

A tweet criticising the government's decision. PHOTO: TWITTER

The administration of former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom decided to reclaim a lagoon nearby Feydhoo Finolhu for the purpose of establishing a picnic destination. However, the project did not move ahead.

Emboodhoo lagoon, the country’s first multi-island integrated leisure and entertainment destination, will be launched in a number of phases. The first island is scheduled to begin operations sometime this year.

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