President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has confirmed that permanent housing will be provided for all residents of HDh. Hirimaradhoo relocating to HDh. Hanimaadhoo, and that construction of these homes will be completed within 18 months.
He made the statement while addressing the residents of Hirimaradhoo, one of the least populated islands in the Maldives. The President is currently touring South Thiladhunmathi Atoll.
The President said that a housing scheme would be implemented on the land allocated for Hirimaradhoo residents in Hanimaadhoo. In addition to the housing project, the area will also see the development of municipal infrastructure. The agreement for these works was signed today between the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure and the Housing Development Corporation Limited.
Speaking further on the housing scheme, the President stated that every homeowner relocating from Hirimaradhoo will be provided housing. In this regard, he added that residents of Hirimaradhoo who owned land in the island but have not yet begun construction on their plots will be given the option of housing or financial compensation when relocated to Hanimaadhoo. President Dr Muizzu further added that financial compensation amounts under the voluntary population consolidation programme will be reviewed and revised to an increased amount.
The President emphasised that his Administration has a citizen-centric approach to centralisation, and that no resident would be compelled to relocate. He noted that two to three islands had already requested similar arrangements. The Government’s centralisation plans, he said, would also take into account any economic activities conducted on vacated islands, with the proceeds allocated to the former residents. The same approach, he assured, would be applied to Hirimaradhoo.
The relocation of Hirimaradhoo residents to Hanimaadhoo is expected to take around 18 months. The President stressed that development projects would continue on the island until the relocation process is complete, adding that the Administration would support all initiatives that benefit the community during this period.