The Hirimaradhoo Council and all Atoll Councils across the country have been officially dissolved. According to a statement issued by the President’s Office, the dissolution of the Hirimaradhoo Council and its administrative office follows the President’s decision to designate H.Dh. Hirimaradhoo as an uninhabited island, subsequent to the relocation of its residents to H.Dh. Hanimaadhoo. Furthermore, in accordance with the 17th Amendment to the Decentralization Act, the President has mandated the dissolution of all Atoll Councils and their respective administrations, effective from the 17th of this month.
The President’s Office clarified that this decision aligns with the legal provision stating that these councils will be dissolved once newly elected members from the upcoming local council elections assume office. The government’s decision to relocate the residents of H.Dh. Hirimaradhoo to Hanimaadhoo aims to enhance their living standards and ensure access to adequate housing and modern essential facilities for all citizens. This initiative was first announced by the President during a meeting with the residents of Hirimaradhoo in August 2024. The Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure has assured that under this project, every resident relocating from Hirimaradhoo to Hanimaadhoo will be provided with guaranteed housing.
The President reached the decision to relocate the inhabitants of Hirimaradhoo to Hanimaadhoo following a formal request from the island’s community expressing their desire to move to another island.
