President Confirms Permanent Housing for Hirimaradhoo Residents in Hanimaadhoo
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu speaking to the residents of Hirimandhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, on August 24, 2025 | Photo: President’s Office
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu confirmed yesterday that permanent housing will be provided for all residents of Haa Dhaalu Atoll Hirimaradhoo, who will be relocated to Hanimaadhoo within the same atoll. He stated that construction of the new homes will be completed within 18 months.
The President made the announcement while addressing the residents of Hirimaradhoo, one of the least populated islands in the country, during his ongoing tour of Haa Dhaalu Atoll. The visit is part of a four-day trip covering 13 inhabited islands.
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President Muizzu said a housing scheme would be implemented on land already allocated for Hirimaradhoo residents in Hanimaadhoo. Alongside the housing project, the area will see the development of municipal infrastructure. The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) signed an agreement for these works yesterday.
He added that every homeowner relocating from Hirimaradhoo would receive housing. Residents who own land on Hirimaradhoo but have not yet begun construction will be offered either housing or financial compensation in Hanimaadhoo. Referring to information provided by the Vice President of Hirimaradhoo Council, he said approximately 154 residents will be allocated land through the project.
The President also announced that financial compensation under the voluntary population consolidation programme would be revised upwards. Stressing the administration’s citizen-centred approach, he assured that no one would be compelled to relocate.
“Our administration will not force citizens to relocate to another island, that is not this administration’s policy,” Dr Muizzu said.
He noted that two to three islands had already requested similar arrangements. The government’s centralisation plans, he explained, would also account for economic activity conducted on vacated islands, with proceeds channelled back to former residents. Development projects, he said, would continue on Hirimaradhoo until the relocation is complete.
HDh Hirimaradhoo rayyithun ehen rashakah badhaluvumah rayyithun nimmaafaivaakamah miadhuge badhdhaluvumugai council ge members vidhaalhuvi. Adhi, Rayyithun beynunvanee K.Thulusdhoo ah kan faahaga kurevvi. pic.twitter.com/0CVIQ0qZOj— Adam Shareef Umar (@Adamshareefz) September 9, 2024
The residents of Hirimandhoo have previously requested relocation, citing the island’s small population and limited access to services and infrastructure. Last year, they submitted a request to the Ministry of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works to be relocated to Thulusdhoo in Kaafu Atoll. Although the Thulusdhoo Council agreed to the proposal, the project was never implemented.
Finey Project to be Completed with Resident Input
The President also announced that the harbour project in Finey will be completed with revisions proposed by the island’s residents.
Speaking during his ongoing tour, President Muizzu described the harbour project as a pivotal development for Finey and assured residents their suggestions would be incorporated into the revised design. He confirmed that key adjustments will be reflected in the 2026 state budget.
He further pledged projects in youth and sports, as well as the relocation of the island’s school, which will be included in next year’s budget. Additional commitments included establishing a police station, developing a waste management centre and a children’s park, and introducing initiatives in the energy sector.
President Dr @MMuizzu arrives in HDh. Finey as part of his ongoing tour of Haa Dhaalu Atoll. He was welcomed by locals and community representatives.
#RayyithunGaathah #HaaDhaaluAtollVisit pic.twitter.com/uSQ9HDxoAd— The President's Office (@presidencymv) August 24, 2025
During a meeting with the Finey Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and local institutional heads, the Council highlighted priorities such as upgrading the harbour, relocating the school to enable expansion, improving roads, and extending electricity connections to the tourism zone and newly populated areas. They also requested a new council office building and a modern futsal ground.
President Muizzu assured the Council that the Government would give due consideration to their concerns and provide practical solutions.
Hanimaadhoo Council Raises Concerns About Education, Housing, Youth Development to President
The President also met the Hanimaadhoo Island Council, WDC, and institutional heads yesterday. Discussions centred on housing, education facilities, and youth development, as well as measures to strengthen the island’s economy through tourism and small business support.
Council members highlighted the need for reliable utility services in areas where new housing plots have been allocated and raised concerns over difficulties in accessing US dollars.
The President pledged Government support and provided updates on ongoing projects. He was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers and senior officials from State-Owned Enterprises during the meetings.
