Former Attorney General Warns Addu City Division Could Hinder Ongoing Development Projects

Former Attorney General Hassan Saeed has cautioned that separating Addu City into individual island councils, as proposed in the 25 October referendum, could significantly hinder the atoll’s ongoing development projects.

In an open letter addressed to the people of Addu, Hassan said the move could negatively affect major private investments currently underway, particularly in the tourism sector. He noted that the largest private tourism project in the Maldives is presently being developed in Addu, involving 1,000 tourist beds across various tourism zones, with contributions from 14 local investors and partners.

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Hassan, who is leading one of the main investment initiatives in the Feydhoo Tourism Zone, said work began two years ago in what was previously a deserted area. He highlighted that many people purchased land in the area at high prices and that he had encouraged business owners from across the atoll to participate, even offering some of his own land free of charge to support the project.

According to Hassan, the project is expected to open 536 beds next year and will include the largest restaurant in the Maldives, as well as a gym, spa, diving centre, and water sports facilities.

He added that the broader goal is to bring direct international flights to Gan, Seenu Atoll, and to strengthen connections between Gan, Fuvahmulah, and nearby resorts and guesthouses.

Hassan warned that changes to Addu’s administrative structure during this period could disrupt the progress of these initiatives. Potential setbacks include the suspension of a MVR 200 million loan, delays to service island development in Savahili, changes to existing agreements, and loss of investor confidence.

He asked who would benefit when the citizens of the islands continue to argue amongst themselves in the face of such challenges.