Councils to get uninhabited islands outside jurisdiction
"Empowering councils is a strong policy of President Mohammed Muizzu. That policy is being implemented,"
The government has made it possible for the councils to use the uninhabited islands nearby for the welfare of the general public at the island level.
According to the 'Regulation on the Allocation of Uninhabited islands for Fisheries, Agriculture and Economic Uses', islands will be allocated to councils after evaluating the proposals submitted by the councils.
The Ministry of Local Government, which was created by this government for councils, will play a leading role in this.
Before submitting a proposal for an island:
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The proposal must be approved by a public meeting in consultation with the islanders
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The permission of the Atoll Council shall be obtained regarding the allocation of land to the Council for the purpose intended to be carried out in the atoll
When submitting a proposal, the rent section of the detailed report may be excluded. The government also decided that islands could be allocated without rent.
When submitting a detailed report, an island can be selected from a joint proposal from more than one council. In addition:
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Councils can apply for an island in an administrative area to which they belong.
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However, if there is no island in the atoll, there is a possibility of finding an island belonging to another atoll.
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In both cases, permission from the Atoll Council of the administration will have to be obtained in writing.
Proposals under this rule can only be submitted to islands designated and announced by the Government. The islands will be announced soon, the President's Office said.
The uninhabited islands will be allocated to the councils for a period of 10 years. The islands allocated in this way will have to maintain certain standards to protect and maintain the environment.
What can be done in the islands acquired under the new rules:
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Cultivate trees or grow food
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Storage of materials
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Raising chickens and goats
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Keeping birds
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Cooking and drying of meat
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Working on salted fish
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Cooking and drying of sea cucumbers
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Co-aquaculture work
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Fishing for groupers using pens
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Keeping live fish
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Building boats
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Fiber work
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Carpentry work
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Conducting workshops
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Brick making
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Travel and beach sports services
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Preparation and sale of soft drinks or snacks
Previously, a council could only get an island on the basis of its maintenance. The following are permitted to be done in the islands received under the rule:
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Collect coconuts or thatch
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Construction/cultivation of small tree nursery without cutting down any trees
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Grow fast growing vegetables
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Planting of large trees such as breadfruit and bananas
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Catching fish from the beach
"Empowering councils is a strong policy of President Mohamed Muizzu. That policy is being implemented," Councils Minister Adam Shareef Umar posted on 'X'.
"This is a source of hope for the people. Thank you President Muizzu”.
