President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated an uninhabited island must be included within the jurisdiction of Madaveli Island Council.
Speaking at a campaign event held by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for the upcoming Local Coucil Elections (LCE), President Solih expressed concern that Madaveli does not benefit from uninhabited islands in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, adding the residents of the island are reserved from the benefits. He highlighted the government will fully support the decision considering the importance of allocating an uninhabited island within the jurisdiction of Madaveli.
However, there are no uninhabited islands in the same lagoon with Madaveli and therefore, an uninhabited island must be allocated for Madeveli from a nearby lagoon. Hoadedhoo, another island in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, is faced with a smiliar issue and have raised concern with the government.
As per the Decentralisation Act, local councils will receive 40% of revenue from leasing land, islands and lagoons, and 100% of the revenue generated from land and other resources within the direct jurisdiction of the council.