President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has approved the allocation of uninhabited islands to all local councils that submitted requests, marking a significant step in empowering councils to foster economic development. The announcement was made by the Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar, on the social media platform X.
Three councils have been approved for island allocations under this initiative. The Inguraidhoo Council in Raa Atoll will be granted Neyo in Raa Atoll. The Dhaalu Atoll Council is set to receive Minimasgali and Fenfushi, both located in Dhaalu Atoll, while Maavah Council in Laamu Atoll will be allocated Bodumaabulhali in Laamu Atoll.
The Minister confirmed that the handover process is underway, being coordinated in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance.
Facilitating Economic Self-Reliance
This initiative aligns with President Muizzu’s broader vision to make local councils economically self-reliant. Last March, he announced plans to simplify the process for councils to obtain permits for income-generating activities, emphasising the government’s commitment to empowering local communities.
As part of this strategy, the government has extended the lease period for uninhabited islands allocated to councils from 10 years to 25 years, providing councils with more time to develop sustainable projects. Moreover, councils can now request islands outside their jurisdiction if there are no uninhabited islands available within their area.
The move aims to enable councils to utilise these islands for various economic ventures, fostering development and contributing to the nation’s decentralisation goals.
