President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has outlined a comprehensive plan for the potential relocation of Raiymandhoo, Meemu Atoll residents to a more developed area, emphasising however, that any move would be contingent on the explicit consent of at least 80 percent of its populace.
The proposal, aimed at consolidating population for rural development and improving residents' quality of life, includes promises of new housing and increased financial support, with relocation slated to occur within one year of the commencement of new housing construction.
Addressing concerns and suggestions from Raiymandhoo’s residents during his visit to the island on Monday afternoon as part of his ongoing tour of four atolls, the President acknowledged existing issues and committed to formulating sound policies to address them.
"The government wants to provide a comfortable life for the people and build a future for those who want to migrate," the President stated, assuring that the process would be meticulously planned.
The initiative comes amidst a clear division within Raiymandhoo, an island with a registered population of 240 but currently home to only about 80 people.
While many attendees at a the community meeting with the President voiced their desire to migrate, there are also families who wish to remain.
The Raiymandhoo Island Council president, Ismail Nahid, stressed the importance of formal government consultation with the people, urging that the benefits of migration be shared in detail.
“We have even submitted a petition for a thorough discussion and decision. We want to decide on this after a wide and thorough consultation process, he said.
As the President outlined, the proposed relocation package for Raiymandhoo is quite substantial.
"Every registered house in the island will be given a three bedroom housing unit. We will build the units and hand the keys,” the President announced, adding that the existing USD 3,242 financial aid for families would be revised and increased.
According to the President, the government's vision is to offer residents the opportunity to move to more developed locations near the capital Male’ or islands like Thulusdhoo in Kaafu Atoll, which boast better health, education, basic services, and infrastructure.
Residents, during the sitdown with the President, highlighted pressing issues in Raiymandhoo, including 34 percent of residents lacking their own housing, the absence of a harbour, and the urgent need for water, sewerage systems, and improved access to education for children.
The President underscored that population consolidation serves as a catalyst for rural development, and that such migrations would only proceed with the overwhelming consensus of the people. He also suggested that new locations could foster commercial ventures like guesthouses, preventing the disruption of existing local businesses on the island.
President Dr Muizzu also revealed his administration’s intention to facilitate a public vote among the Raiymandhoo people on relocation through the island council, along with relevant ministries and state agencies.
"If the people of Raiymandhoo wants to, we [government] want to move on it very quickly. If they decide to, we will start building housing units as soon as possible, this year or early next year," the President assured, signaling a readiness to act swiftly once consensus is reached.
Warm Raiymandhoo Welcome
The President received a warm welcome at Raiymandhoo as his 15th and stop during the third 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.