President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has officially incorporated the Maafaru lagoon into the jurisdiction of Feridhoo, North Ari Atoll.
The Presidential Decree was issued on Monday, in accordance with the Decentralization Act. President Muizzu had previously indicated this intention during a visit to Feridhoo in late August of last year, stating his commitment to bringing the Maafaru lagoon under the island's administrative control.
The President's Office has announced that the lagoon is slated for development as a picnic island. This initiative aims to establish a sustainable source of income for Feridhoo's future growth and to bolster the island's economic development.
President Muizzu has emphasized that the development of the picnic island must prioritize the preservation of the area's inherent natural beauty.
This decision follows the President's approval in March of last year of a bill empowering the President to lease islands and lagoons under the purview of local councils for tourism purposes.