The council expressed concern that the lack of activity on these plots has led to various social issues, while stagnant areas have contributed to the breeding of insects such as mosquitoes and flies, posing a threat to public health inconvenience people.
Addu City Council has announced that it will take action regarding more than 1,700 plots of land allocated five years ago, which have since remained unused.
In a statement, the council acknowledged receiving complaints from residents about the large number of plots that have not been occupied or developed within this time frame.
The council expressed concern that the lack of activity on these plots has led to various social issues. Unutilized land has become a hotspot for undesirable activities, while stagnant areas have contributed to the breeding of insects such as mosquitoes and flies, posing a threat to public health and causing significant inconvenience to people living in the area.
Additionally, the council noted that the registration process for some of these plots remains incomplete since their initial allotment. The council emphasized that steps will be taken to address these issues in line with regulations.
Number of land plots which remain unused in Addu:
- Hithadhoo: 802 plots
- Maradhoo: 106 plots
- Maradhoo-Feydhoo: 23 plots
- Feydhoo: 160 plots
- Hulhudhoo: 12 plots
- Meedhoo: 109 plots
Addu City Council has issued a reminder that the state holds the legal authority to expropriate land titles from individuals who have not begun residing on their allocated land within five years of the grant date.
The council stated that recipients must apply for permanent registration of their land within 30 days of the handover. Failure to do so will result in a fine, and the council reserves the right to cancel both the temporary registration and the land allocation certificate.
The council has instructed landowners to take the following actions before enforcement measures are implemented:
- Submit unregistered plots for registration within 30 days from the date of notice
- Clean and maintain the plot and surrounding roads within 30 days
- Construct boundary walls within six months
- Begin construction on the plot within one year
“Action will be taken against those who do not comply with this notice, in accordance with the law and regulations,” the Addu City Council said.
Land allocation in Addu City was announced last year, with the council approving plots for 3,972 eligible recipients.
While some draws have been conducted, much of the process remains incomplete, and none of the land has been officially handed over. The previous government also reclaimed land from various neighborhoods in Addu to provide land plots to the people.
Arial view of Hithadhoo, Addu City -- Photo: Rizna Zareer
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