Three councils receive four uninhabited islands outside jurisdiction

Three councils received four uninhabited islands outside their jurisdiction on Monday, in a move the Local Government Ministry said is aimed at financially empowering local councils.

The three councils - R. Inguraidhoo Council, Dh. Atoll Council, and L. Maavah Council – were handed over the islands in a ceremony held at the Finance Ministry on Monday morning.

As such:

• Inguraidhoo Council received R. Neyo
• Dh. Atoll Council received Dh. Minimasgali and Dh. Fenfushi
• Maavah Council received L. Bodumaabulhali

The islands were handed over based on regulatory changes made last year. It marks the first time for councils to receive uninhabited islands outside their jurisdiction.

Addressing the function, Local Government Minister Adam Shareef Umar hailed the three councils for their courage in venturing into unchartered territory.

He urged the councils to ensure people receive the maximum benefit from the uninhabited islands.

The Regulation on the Allocation of Uninhabited Islands for Fisheries, Agriculture and Economic Uses', published by the government in January last year, allows councils to use uninhabited islands outside its jurisdiction for business activities run for the welfare of the public.

Councils interested in getting islands outside its jurisdiction must hold a public meeting to approve proposals, before submitting it to the government.

They must also obtain necessary authorization from the relevant atoll council.

The islands can be utilized for:

• Cultivation of food and plants
• Storage of materials
• Raising chicken, goats or cattle, birds
• Cooking and drying fish
• Produce salted dry fish
• Cooking and drying sea cucumbers at an individual (and not commercial) capacity
• Conducting aquaculture work
• Constructing boats and other vessels
• Conducting workshops and other work related to the use of fiber, carpentry and bricks
• Provide picnics and water sports facilities
• Production and sale of snacks and beverages

The regulation states that councils will receive the islands for a period of ten years.