President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has officially designated Bodufinolhu, an island in Laamu Atoll, under the jurisdiction of L. Gan. The change was enacted through amendments to Presidential Decree No. 05/2025, in accordance with the Decentralisation Act, granting the President the authority to determine the jurisdiction of city councils and island councils across the Maldives.
The Presidential Decree, now published in the government Gazette, revises the administrative structure of the region. The decision aligns with a broader reassessment of jurisdictional boundaries, including adjustments for resort and industrial islands. As per the decree, resorts or industrial islands will be removed from council jurisdiction, while uninhabited islands that previously fell under two councils will no longer be under either.
Background and Future Development
Bodufinolhu was previously leased for development as a tourism training resort to Premier Equity, a company owned by former Malé Mayor Sarangu Adam. However, during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration, the state repossessed the island before the lease expired due to the contractor’s failure to carry out physical development work.
The current administration has signalled an interest in revitalising tourism projects on Bodufinolhu. Former Minister for Tourism Ibrahim Faisal has previously stated that the government will prioritise the development of the island for tourism purposes, aligning with the country’s broader economic and tourism expansion efforts.
