Addu City Council has decided to request that rent from land allocated to Google for a submarine cable landing station in Hithadhoo be paid to the council.
The decision follows the Economic Ministry’s announcement on Monday that Google will make a major investment in the Maldives by establishing a landing station for international submarine cables in Addu.
At a council meeting held Wednesday, Hithadhoo Korowau Councilor and Land Committee Chair Ibrahim Shinaz said the government had requested 161,000 square feet of land from a reclaimed area in Hithadhoo. The land was initially acquired at the request of the Housing Ministry, but later registered under the Economic Ministry, he said.
Shinaz noted that the public only recently learned the land was designated for Google’s project. “We gave away 161,000 square feet of land in Hithadhoo without knowing it was for a mega project. I don’t think we should allow the land to be used in a way that doesn’t directly benefit the people,” he said.
The Land Committee has since concluded that the land falls under the council’s jurisdiction and that any income from it should benefit Addu residents. Shinaz proposed that the council enter into an agreement to receive rent from the land lease.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu meets Addu City Council: The President has announced plans to hold a referundum on the composition of Addu City Council. (Photo/President's Office)
Hithadhoo Maamendhoo Councilor Aminath Adhala Rasheed supported the proposal, stating that a high-revenue company like Google should contribute to the local economy.
Hithadhoo Rasgedharu Councilor Hussain Zareer added that the government must clarify who receives the rent from such deals. He cited information indicating the land could generate MVR 1.1 million in monthly rent.
“We need to know where the money from Google is going. What do the people of Addu get when land from Addu is given away?” Zareer asked.
The council ultimately voted to approve the proposal to pursue a rent-sharing agreement with the government.
The Economic Ministry has described Google’s investment as a transformative project that will boost investor confidence in the Maldives and pledged full support for its implementation.