Housing Minister Moves to End Decade-Long Housing Stalemate in Hanimaadhoo

The Maldivian government is accelerating plans to relocate residents from Hirimaradhoo to Hanimaadhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, while simultaneously working to resolve a decade-long housing dispute that has stalled local development. Dr Abdulla Muththalib, the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, stated that the relocation is a critical state action mandated by a presidential decree issued on December 30, 2025. The move follows recent local council elections that integrated the Hirimaradhoo community into Hanimaadhoo’s jurisdiction. The government aims to complete this transition within an 18-month timeframe, fulfilling a key presidential pledge. While over 500 citizens are registered in Hirimaradhoo, approximately 200 active residents will be accommodated in 100 newly developed row-houses. Each homeowner relinquishing their property in Hirimaradhoo is slated to receive a three-bedroom residence. The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is currently managing site clearance and conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment, which is necessary due to the dense concentration of palm trees in the designated area. However, the move has sparked concerns among Hanimaadhoo residents regarding a separate 100-unit housing project that has remained stagnant since 2011. The project has been mired in legal disputes involving Noomadi Resorts, Donbez Private Limited, and SJ Construction. Minister Muththalib confirmed that the government is now pursuing an out-of-court settlement to expedite the completion of these homes. SJ Construction has indicated it is ready to resume operations once legal viability is established. Beyond these immediate fixes, the government plans to develop an additional 500 units to support Hanimaadhoo's evolution into a primary urban center. This expansion is part of a broader historical consolidation. Hanimaadhoo has already integrated populations from Hathifushi, Hondaidhoo, Faridhoo, and Maafilaafushi, bringing its total population to nearly 3,000 residents. The current efforts represent a push to ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with this rapid demographic growth.