An area where fiberglass work is done: Fiber work in Hulhumale' lagoon has been ordered to be halted before Sunday by HDC. (Photo/Zuvaan Masveriyaa)
The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has ordered all fiber‑related work being carried out in the Hulhumale' lagoon to stop and be moved to a designated area before Tuesday.
In an announcement issued on Thursday, HDC said it had observed fiber work being conducted on boats along the Hulhumale' coast. The corporation said such activities have been banned in the lagoon due to their potential negative impact on the environment and other lagoon users.
HDC instructed that the work must be halted before Sunday and relocated to the approved site. The corporation warned that if the activities continue beyond the deadline, it will work with the maritime police and other relevant agencies to stop the operations.
The announcement comes as President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu reiterated on January 6, 2024 that space would be allocated within six months for fiber‑related work for residents of Vilimale'.
ހުއްދަނެތި ހުޅުމާލެ ފަޅުތެރޭގައި ފައިބަރު މަސައްކަތްކުރުމާއި ގުޅޭ
— Housing Development Corporation (@hdcmaldives) January 15, 2026
އިތުރު މައުލޫމާތު: https://t.co/LB3XPRdFx9#WithHDC pic.twitter.com/0L0Oq3U6DM
Speaking in Vilimale' during campaign activities for PNC candidates following his swearing‑in and the inauguration of several councillors, the President noted that many families in Vilimale' rely on fiber work for their livelihood. However, he said conducting such work within residential areas poses health risks.
He added that during his tenure as mayor, he attempted to allocate space for fiber work in Thilafushi, but the effort did not proceed due to a lack of cooperation from the previous MDP government.
The President has since announced that a location in Thilafushi has now been designated for fiber work, and that the area will be arranged to provide opportunities for all fiber workers.