The proposed Juvenile offenders rehabilitation center, ‘Hope Island’ will be developed in Giraavaru Falhu, the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has said.
The government had originally planned to develop the center in Vaani, Dhaalu Atoll.
Speaking on PSM News' ‘Raajje Miadhu’ programme, State Minister for Homeland Security and Technology Ahmed Siddeeq the concept drawings and plans had been completed to build the center in Vaani. However, due to concerns of increased operational costs, the government has now decided to build the center closer to the capital Male’.
He said the plans for Hope Island have now been shifted to Giraavaru Falhu, and will commence once the land reclamation of the lagoon is completed.
Siddeeq said the facility will provide treatment and rehabilitation of children at risk of committing crimes. The facility will be developed to accommodate about 700 minors, equipped with teachers, schooling halls, police, instructors, sporting and health care facilities, he added.
"If it's developed in Vaani, we have to go by air from Male’ all the way to Kudahuvadhoo. If we go by sea, it would take many hours. In terms of cost, it will be more than we can do in a sustainable way,” Siddeeq explained.
Government is set to dedicate 15 hectares of land from Giraavaru Falhu for Hope Island.
Government had revealed plans to provide fundamental education and religious guidance for the children residing there, along with the implementation of psychosocial intervention and sports programmes on the island.
The government has also planned to hold criminally exposed minors on Hope Island until they turn 18 years, and serve a designated term in either the Maldives Police Service (MPS) or the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).