Gov’t Signs MVR 4 Million Waste Management Centre in Hirimaradhoo Despite Relocation Plans

The government has signed a project to develop a waste management centre in Haa Dhaal Atoll Hirimaradhoo, despite government plans to relocate the island’s population to Hanimaadhoo of the same atoll. 

On a post shared on Facebook, the government has shared that the project worth MVR 4.1 million has been signed with a company called Buildtech Maldives Private Limited. The project was handed over to the company during the signing ceremony of over 206 public projects to 53 privately owned companies. 

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Despite the project being signed to develop the waste centre, the government had already initiated the works of developing housing in Hanimaadhoo for the residents of Hirimaradhoo who are set to relocate. The housing scheme, which would be implemented on land already allocated for Hirimaradhoo residents in Hanimaadhoo was given to the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), on 24 August. Alongside building houses, the projects will also see the development of municipal infrastructure. 

Last year, the Hirimaradhoo island’s council and it’s residents had requested the government to relocate their population to Kaafu Atoll Thulusdhoo, citing more opportunities given the island’s proximity to the Capital City Male’. However, the government announced this year that the population would instead be moved to Hanimaadhoo. 

President Mohamed Muizzu, on a visit to Hirimaradhoo this year, told its residents that the new housing in Hanimaadhoo will be completed in 18 months. 

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 had said that approximately 154 residents will be allocated land through the project.

Hirimaradhoo, an island which has a registered population of nearly 600, is the least populated island in the Maldives. According to the most recent 2022 census, the island recorded a population of 293, of which 260 are residents. However, the island’s registry reflects a total of 584 individuals.