2 political directors assigned to Hirimaradhoo amid resettlement
Hirimaradhoo no longer has its own island council.
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Two people have been appointed as political directors at the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Recreation, with Haa Dhaalu Hirimaradhoo designated as their place of work, while the island is undergoing a government-led resettlement process.
The appointees are Aishath Juvairiya, of Aahiyaa, HDh. Hirimaradhoo, and Juvairiya Usman, of Kaneerumaage, HDh. Hirimaradhoo. Both have been active with the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) on the island.
According to their appointment documents, each political director will receive a monthly salary of MVR 11,000 and a living allowance of MVR 9,000, bringing their total monthly remuneration to MVR 20,000.
Juvairiya Usman was appointed on 27 August, while Aishath Juvairiya was appointed on 6 September.
Youth Minister Abdulla Rafiu also sent separate letters to Hanimaadhoo Council President Ali Ibrahim informing him of the appointments.
Hirimaradhoo no longer has its own island council. Residents voted for members of the Hanimaadhoo Council in the local council elections held on 4 April as the government proceeds with plans to resettle the island’s population in Hanimaadhoo.
Municipal services for residents who remain in Hirimaradhoo are currently being provided through a ward office of the Hanimaadhoo Council operating from the building previously used by the Hirimaradhoo Council.
The government decided to resettle Hirimaradhoo residents following a request from the island council on behalf of residents. The council had sought relocation either to Hanimaadhoo, which is undergoing development linked to its international airport, or to an island near Malé.
Thulusdhoo in Kaafu Atoll was also considered during discussions on possible relocation destinations.
Hirimaradhoo is among the least populated islands in Haa Dhaalu Atoll. According to the 2022 census figures cited in the report, 293 people were living on the island, including 260 Maldivians, while 584 people were registered as Hirimaradhoo residents.
