President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has declared that the relocation of Rakeedhoo, Vaavu Atoll residents to another island will proceed only if 80 percent of its residents, including those living off-island, express their support for the move.
The President made the statement during the community meeting with Rakeedhoo residents, as part of his ongoing tour of four atolls where proposals for the island's social development were discussed, and the desire for relocation emerged as a primary concern.
Many Rakeedhoo residents submitted proposals to the President, articulating their wish to move to a newly developed location closer to Malé, specifically mentioning destinations like Rasmale’, Gulhifalhu, or other areas near the capital.
While not seeking an immediate move, residents emphasised the need for comfortable living arrangements in their new location.
Acknowledging the clear sentiment for relocation, President Dr Muizzu assured them that if the move garnered sufficient support, the relocated populace would be provided with facilities and services, including accommodation and compensation for the relocating populace.
"We need not only a majority of 50 percent. We need 80 percent support to relocate people,” he explained, emphasising the significant threshold required for such a fundamental change.
He clarified that this opinion would be sought from all Rakeedhoo people, both those residing on the island and those living elsewhere. The President committed to conducting formal efforts to ascertain the community's definitive wishes for relocation.
Addressing concerns about the island's fledgling tourism industry, President Muizzu assured that existing local tourism ventures, currently comprising two guesthouses with additional land being allocated for development would not face closure or disruption.
"We will explore the idea of how to continue these businesses," he affirmed, guaranteeing their continuity.
In addition to reclocation, some residents proposed dredging a nearby lagoon for habitation and highlighted the critical need for a robust transportation system.
President Dr Muizzu responded by promising the establishment of an RTL ferry system for Rakeedhoo by March next year. He noted that unlike other islands, a dedicated public opinion meeting was held in Rakeedhoo specifically to gauge views on relocation, underscoring the unique nature of the situation.
The island currently has an approximate population of 360, but only around 60 actively reside there, with a noticeable absence of school-age children and a majority elderly population, factors contributing to the strong sentiment for relocation.
Rakeedhoo Completes ATM Service Network in Vaavu Atoll
To coincide with President Dr Muizzu’s visit, Bank of Maldives (BML) has established Self-Service Banking ATM services Rakeedhoo which marks the completion of ATM services across all inhabited islands of Vaavu Atoll.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by President Dr Muizzu, Ministers, BML Chairperson Ahmed Ali Habeeb, BML CEO and Managing Director Mohamed Shareef, and senior officials of the Bank.
BML CEO and Managing Director Mohamed Shareef noted that under the ‘Mulhi Raajje ah BML ATM’ project, it has now covered all inhabited islands in 12 atolls across the country.
“For each island and its community, each ATM installation represents a significant advancement in promoting financial inclusion and facilitating convenient access to banking services,” he said.
Under the ongoing "Mulhi Raajje ah BML ATM" initiative, ATMs were also installed in Faafu atoll Feeali and Bilehdhoo on Saturday.
BML is the country’s leading financial institution, with an extensive network comprising 42 branches across all 20 atolls, 166 Self Service Banking Centres, 225 ATMs, comprehensive Agent Banking Services, and advanced Digital Banking solutions.
Warm Welcome for President on Final Vaavu Atoll Stop
The President received a warm welcome at Rakeedhoo in as his fifth and final stop of Vaavu Atoll during the second day of his ongoing tour of four atolls.
President Dr Muizzu is currently undertaking an extensive eight-day official visit across four atolls, engaging directly with local communities to discuss development needs and pressing issues.
This comprehensive tour is set to cover 31 islands across Vaavu, Meemu, Faafu, and Thaa Atolls, forming part of a broader series of visits to provinces across the country.
President Dr Muizzu is accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers and heads of government institutions, underscoring the government's commitment to addressing local concerns and fostering decentralised development.