Sea protests in Vaavu atoll over leased agriculture island
The people of the atoll believe that the island was leased for benefits outside farming.
By
Aminath Shifleen
A large number of people from Vaavu atoll has protested at sea on Saturday, calling for the return of Hulhidhoo, has been leased by the government for agricultural purposes, to the people.
According to state records, Hulhidhoo was leased for agricultural purposes five years ago to a company named Aarah Investment. The shareholders of the company are former MP Yoosuf Naeem, who is currently on trial in connection with the MMPRC scandal, and a foreign party.
No agricultural work has been carried out on the island so far. While nothing has been done during the period given for the development of the island, complaints of damage to the island are rising.
Therefore, the government officials and public of Vaavu atoll believe the agreement is now null and void.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had pledged during his presidential campaign to return Hulhidhoo back to the people. The people of the atoll have come to protests now because the President has not made true on his word when his regime is coming to a close, in addition to the fact that the people of the atoll don’t have a picnic island.
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Guesthouse owners and staff from five local islands of the atoll have come out to sea to express their displeasure.
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has been leased by the government for agricultural purposes.
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The protester’s posters read: "don’t sell off all the islands in Vaavu atoll"; “the island was taken without right”; “where is the promised picnic island for the people?”.
"Nothing has been done during the period given for the development of the island. The island was destroyed by a number of violations in the EIA report," said Hussain Shifaq, president of V. Thinadhoo Council.
"The relevant institutions are silent. Please officially terminate the agreement".
Although Hulhidhoo was leased for agricultural purposes, the agreement states that establishments such as Futsal fields and coffee shops can be constructed on the island. Therefore, the people of the atoll believe that the island was leased for benefits outside farming.
Vaavu atoll has 14 uninhabited islands, all of which have been leased long term in the name of resort development and agriculture. The lack of an island for tourist excursions and local picnics for the inhabited islands and guesthouse businesses in the atoll has been a major complaint from Vaavu atoll, for a long time.
