Haa Dhaalu Atoll Council expresses concern over the lack of resorts in the atoll

The Council of Haa Dhaalu Atoll has expressed concern over the lack of resorts in the atoll, and requested to facilitate the commencement of work to develop resorts before 31 July in the islands of the atoll leased for this purpose.

A press release issued today, signed by ten members of the council, highlights that Haa Dhaalu Atoll is the atoll with the largest population in the Maldives, and says that the lack of economic activity in the atoll means that people are without jobs, which in turn has lowered the people’s economic standard and affects all aspects of their lives.

The press release notes that while tourism is the mainstay of the Maldivian economy, Haa Dhaalu Atoll is the only atoll without a single tourist resort.

“As such, we have met with the presidents and relevant authorities of the present government as well as the two previous governments to inform of this issue. Similarly, this council has proposed to the relevant government authorities to include additional islands of the atoll in the tourism master plan.”

The council further said that it had been brought to the relevant authorities’ attention, that the resort development projects were not being carried out as per the agreements for the islands leased for tourism from the atoll, namely Hondaafushi, Kudamuraidhoo, Nagoashi, Nolhivaranfaru and Hanimaadhoo Training Resort.

The resort development project in Hondaafushi has been commissioned to 3A Private Limited, Nagoashi to MTDC, Nolhivaranfaru and Hanimaadhoo Training School to Cyrex, and Kudamuraidhoo to JH Hotels Private Limited.

The council said in the press release that unless action is taken to address their request, the entire atoll might unite and begin a series of protests.