Ehthigili removed from Alifushi jurisdiction for resort development

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Wednesday, has removed Ehthigili from the jurisdiction of R. Alifushi for the development of a tourist resort.

Ehthigili is neighboring uninhabited island near Alifushi.

The President’s Office’s Spokesperson Miuvaan Mohamed told Sun that Ehthigili was removed from Alifushi’s jurisdiction by a presidential decree on Wednesday, which was done following discussions with Alifushi Council.

Residents of Alifushi had requested the reclamation of the island up to Ehthigili under the airport development project at the island. However, the government is against the reclamation due to the added expense to the airport project and possible impact on the environment

Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom stated last year that development of a tourist resort at Ehthigili will be opened for bid alongside 10 hectares of land that will be reclaimed from Alifushi lagoon. At present, Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) is undertaking the Alifushi land reclamation and airport development at Alifushi.

Development of a tourist resort in Ethigili was also announced during former president Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom’s administrations as well. However, what happened to project remains unclear.