Maafarufalhu put under Mahibadhoo jurisdiction as pledged

The government has placed Maafarufalhu under the jurisdiction of Alifu Dhaalu atoll Mahibadhoo, reflecting the presidential pledge of Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during last year's election.

The government put President Muizzu's decree on the gazette confirming this decision on Tuesday.

The decree stated that Maafarufalhu was placed under Mahibadhoo jurisdiction under the presidential discretion according to the Decentralization Act.

During last year's campaign, President Muizzu highlighted the need for adding land to Mahibadhoo, for which he pledged to bring the neighboring uninhabited Maafarufalhu under the local island's jurisdiction.

"Under a long-term urban and infrastructure development vision, additional land for the island will be added by bringing [Maafarufalhu] under the jurisdiction [of Mahibadhoo], to launch socio-economic and industrial projects," President Muizzu pledged during his campaign last year.

On the other hand, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih revealed his own plan to reclaim land from Maafarufalhu to launch a social housing initiative.

Earlier on Monday, President Dr. Muizzu placed Kandinmaahuraa and Farumuli under the jurisdiction of Noonu atoll Maafaru.