President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the residents of Hirimaradhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, will be relocated to Hanimaadhoo within 18 months, with a new house provided for every existing household. The President made the announcement while addressing the residents of Hirimaradhoo as part of his ongoing visit to 13 inhabited islands of Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
Hirimaradhoo has a registered population of 589. However, due to various reasons, a large number of people have migrated to other islands, and only about 200 people currently reside on the island. The dwindling population, combined with an ageing demographic, has left the community increasingly dependent on foreign workers. Residents have therefore urged the government to facilitate their relocation to Hanimaadhoo.
The President accepted their request, and the government announced in February this year that the people of Hirimaradhoo would be resettled in Hanimaadhoo, under the national population and development consolidation policy. While the process is ongoing under the Ministry of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works, the roadmap will be finalised as soon as possible, after which practical implementation will commence, the Ministry has said.
Addressing island residents, President Muizzu said the government aims to provide a bright future and improved services for the people of Hirimaradhoo. Under an agreement signed with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), permanent housing and infrastructure will be established in Hanimaadhoo for Hirimaradhoo residents, he said.
As part of the President’s visit to Hirimaradhoo, an agreement was signed with HDC to establish the framework for constructing housing for Hirimaradhoo residents in Hanimaadhoo. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib on behalf of the government, while HDC was represented by its Managing Director, Brigadier General (Rtrd) Ali Zuhair.
The relocation plan will ensure that each household in Hirimaradhoo is provided with a house in Hanimaadhoo, and each land plot is allocated a new plot. According to the President, even if the plot does not currently contain a building, the government will construct housing for the owner. Cash compensation will also be offered, with the standard amount to be reviewed and increased. Municipal services will also be established in the new community area.
The President said that population and development consolidation will proceed at the request of island communities and that no relocation will be forced by the government. He noted that while Hirimaradhoo is the first island to undergo the process, residents of three other islands have also made similar requests. He added that the population and development consolidation policies will be implemented differently than in the past, with Hirimaradhoo residents benefiting from the revenue generated from the government’s future use of the island.
The President also highlighted the benefits of resettling small island populations into larger communities, describing the policy as a sustainable approach that will secure better opportunities and services for the citizens. He acknowledged the weight of leaving one’s birthplace, and assured that the government will support Hirimaradhoo residents throughout their transition to Hanimaadhoo.