Shamheed calls for Hulhumale' to be its own city

Hulhumale' South MP Dr Ahmed Shamheed has called for Hulhumale' to be designated as a separate city, independent from Male'.

In a post on X on Sunday, Shamheed said Hulhumale' is distinct from Male' in character and governance, and therefore deserves its own city council.

“It deserves its own independent city council, separate from Male’s. The supermajority in Male' City Council may not act in Hulhumale’s best interest, and it’s impractical for representatives from another city to govern,” he wrote.

He added that a city should be represented by those who live there and understand its customs and culture. Shamheed urged Parliament and President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to designate Hulhumale' as a separate constituency.

Although Hulhumale' falls under the jurisdiction of the Male' City Council, most municipal services are managed by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), with the exception of the cemetery. Shamheed noted that the council has limited authority over the area.

Former President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and former Hulhumale' councillor Ibrahim Shujau have also voiced concerns over HDC’s management of Hulhumale', advocating for municipal services to be transferred to the city council.

Shamheed’s remarks come in the wake of a recent opinion poll held in Addu on October 25, where residents of Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo voted to secede from the Addu City Council, while Feydhoo opted to remain.