Hirimaradhoo residents say they have no concerns about relocation as government moves ahead with Hanimaadhoo shift

Residents of Hirimaradhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll said Wednesday that they have no concerns about President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s resolution to relocate them to Hanimaadhoo.  

Speaking to Sun, former Hirimaradhoo Council President Mohamed Waheed said work is already underway to establish housing in Hanimaadhoo and to complete the relocation within one and a half years. He said residents had petitioned multiple governments over the years seeking relocation, but no administration had moved forward until now.  

“Many years ago, petitions were submitted and many governments were being asked to relocate the islanders. There was no way to relocate the islanders until now, when this government is doing it,” Waheed said, adding that he believes “the road is now open.”  

Waheed noted that Hirimaradhoo no longer has its own local council and now falls under the jurisdiction of Hanimaadhoo. He said work is ongoing to clear land on the island and identify ownership of trees ahead of the relocation.  

Hanimaadhoo Council President Abdul Sattar Hassan told Sun that any development brought for the benefit of the people is welcome. He said Maldivians moving from one island to another is not an issue, but cautioned that relocating Hirimaradhoo residents before housing and basic services are completed would create difficulties. He said the best approach is to ensure housing and essential services are in place before the move.  

Ahead of the upcoming local council elections, MDP interim chairman and Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa posted on X on Tuesday that requiring Hirimaradhoo residents to vote in Hanimaadhoo is “definitely against the law.” His remarks came after President Muizzu issued the resolution to relocate the island’s population.  

According to the resolution, the purpose of the amendment is to allow the Elections Commission to treat Hanimaadhoo as the constituency of Hirimaradhoo residents for the April 4 local council elections, as the relocation process is already underway. After the elections, the Hanimaadhoo Council will be responsible for administering Hirimaradhoo until the population shift is complete.  

Once residents are settled and registered in Hanimaadhoo, Hirimaradhoo will be declared an uninhabited island. The resolution also removes Hirimaradhoo from the national list of inhabited islands and publishes an updated list.  

The amendment will take effect on the date the government officially announces the completion of the relocation and registration of Hirimaradhoo residents in Hanimaadhoo.