One of the Raa Atoll's most naturally diversified islands with a sizable population is Hulhudhuffaaru. For the islanders who live there, the coconut palms placed on either side of the larger streets are a distinguishing characteristic of the island.
The largest street on the island, measuring 5158 feet in length and 45 feet in width, was planted with coconut palms that had to be removed for road building. This has largely destroyed the route's aesthetic value.
In an earlier statement to Mihaaru News, the President of the Hulhudhuffaaru Council, Mohamed Athif has stated that five roads would be rebuilt as part of the project awarded to the Road Development Corporation. The coconut palms were planted on Ameenee Magu, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, and Majeedhee Magu of the island. For the project, approximately 300 coconut palms would be removed. Athif added that the project required the removal of coconut palms and that the roads will be built of tarmac.
The council polled the islanders in 2019 to find out whether they supported moving forward with the project. The survey's 50 participants approved the project's start by casting their votes. But, the majority of islanders, who are unwilling to give up the flagship appeal of their main streets, are voicing their concerns.
However, the council has decided to move forward with the project with the aim of giving islanders improved roadways. There are already 200 coconut palms being replanted. Athif said, ‘The roadway plan has been designed with a green zone in the middle and the roads to be two way’.
The 88 million Rufiyaa project was awarded to RDC in April, 2021. The project timeline was given for 390 days but it commenced in April, 2022.
Hulhudhuffaaru was populated thirty years ago when the residents of Raa Atoll Un'gulu and Undoodhoo were transferred to the island. The State Trading Organization was at the time responsible for agriculture on the island. At that time, the coconut palms aligning the main roads were planted.
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