The relocation of residents from Hirimaradhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll to Hanimaadhoo in the same atoll constitutes an imperative state action that must be executed alongside a parallel commitment to address local housing shortages, Dr Abdulla Muththalib, the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, said recently. The initiative, formalised by a presidential decree on 30 December 2025, mandates the wholesale transfer of the Hirimaradhoo population, a community already integrated into Hanimaadhoo’s jurisdiction following recent local council elections.
Fulfilling this transition within an 18-month timeframe remains a central presidential pledge, Minister Muththalib said. While Hirimaradhoo counts over 500 registered citizens, the active population of approximately 200 will be accommodated in 100 newly developed row-houses. Every homeowner relinquishing property in Hirimaradhoo is slated to receive a three-bedroom residence in Hanimaadhoo, where the Housing Development Corporation is currently conducting site clearance and environmental assessments.
“HDC is currently undertaking site clearance operations in Hanimaadhoo to facilitate the construction of residences for the relocating population of Hirimaradhoo,” Minister Muththalib explained. “Due to the dense concentration of palm trees in the designated area, an Environmental Impact Assessment is concurrently underway.”
However, the state move comes as Hanimaadhoo residents voice trepidation over the stagnation of a separate 100-unit project, mired in legal disputes since 2011 involving Noomadi Resorts, Donbez Private Limited, and SJ Construction. The government is pursuing an out-of-court settlement to expedite these works, Minister Muththalib confirmed.
SJ Construction remains prepared to commence operations contingent upon legal viability, Minister Muththalib said, noting that an additional 500 units are planned to support the growth of Hanimaadhoo as an urban centre. This consolidation follows the historical integration of populations from Hathifushi in Haa Alifu Atoll, Hondaidhoo and Faridhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, and Maafilaafushi in Lhaviyani Atoll, bringing Hanimaadhoo’s population to nearly 3,000.