The administration has announced its approval of the request by the residential community of Hirimaradhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, to permanently relocate to another island. This decision was revealed by Heena Waleed, Chief Spokesperson for the President's Office, through a social media post.
According to Waleed, the administration will oversee the permanent relocation of the Hirimaradhoo community to Hanimaadhoo, within the same atoll. The initial request for relocation was submitted by the residents of Hirimaradhoo in September 2024, and deliberations commenced in October of the same year.
In her announcement, Waleed confirmed that the administration has resolved to honour the request from the Hirimaradhoo community to relocate to Hanimaadhoo. However, specific details of this decision remain undisclosed.
Hirimaradhoo is recognised as one of the nation's least populated islands with a registered population of 293 residents according to the latest census. Additionally, the residential community of Rakeedhoo in Vaavu Atoll has also requested government assistance for relocation to another island.
The administration has articulated its objective to concentrate national development within seven distinct zones, thereby focussing the growth of these regions. In alignment with this strategy, the administration had previously decided to permit the residential communities of smaller islands to relocate to larger population centres.