The development of Uhdhoo, Dhaalu Atoll, as a picnic island for the residential communities of the Atoll have been completed and is now open for the public, the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works has announced.
The Ministry in a post on X said Uhdhoo is now open for the public to use as a picnic island, free of charge on weekends and public holidays.
The Ministry has asked the public to contact 9108899 or 7777848 for reservations.
The decision to convert Uhdhoo as a picnic island was made in February, during President Dr Muizzu's visit to Meedhoo, Dhaalu Atoll, as part of a tour of several islands within the atoll.
Previously, Uhdhoo was utilised by a private party for commercial purposes. Upon the expiration of the lease agreement, the government regained control of the island, which is now under the jurisdiction of the local government ministry.
Empowering local councils to increase income-generating opportunities for the outer islands has been a priority for President Dr Muizzu. Over the past year, he has undertaken numerous initiatives to this end. Granting jurisdiction of uninhabited islands to local councils enables them to carry out commercial activities and generate revenue for their respective communities.