Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure has revealed the 5 key islands included in the National Development Plan are Kulhudhuffushi in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Naifaru in Lhaviyani Atoll, Gan in Laamu Atoll, Thinadhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and Hithadhoo in Addu City.
The 5 islands were decided as part of the efforts of the administration to provide services available in Male' City in other highly populated areas in the country. Developing 5 areas outside the capital is a major objective of the National Development Plan.
Speaking at the Councillors Conference held by Maldivian Democratic Party, Minister of National Planning and Infrastructure said Maldives will be developed as 5 regional urban centres, 9 sub-regional urban centres and 6 clusters. In this regard, with Kulhudhuffushi, Naifaru, Gan, Thinadhoo and Hithadhoo classified as regional urban centres, all islands within a 20-mile radius from the 5 islands will be considered as sub-regional urban centres.
Funadhoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Manadhoo in Noonu Atoll, Dhuvaafaru in Raa Atoll, Eydhafushi in Baa Atoll, Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu Atoll, Thimarafushi in Thaa Atoll, VIlingili in Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Fuvahmulah City are considered as sub-regional urban centres, according to the planning minister. He also revealed one more island from the Ihavandhippolhu region will be included as a sub-regional urban centre.
Furthermore, Minister Aslam said Maamigili in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, Nilandhoo in Faafu Atoll, Muli and Kolhufushi in Meemu Atoll, Faresmathoda and Dhaandhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll are included in the National Development Plan as clusters.
Further, Rasdhoo in Alifu Alifu Atoll, Mahibadhoo in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll and Felidhoo in Vaavu Atoll are considered as islands in the Male' region.
The minister said the islands were selected after deliberations in the cabinet. The administration aims to implement the National Development Plan next year.