Former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has called for clarification on the exclusion of major islands from the government's recent announcement regarding establishing urban centers. In a statement on X today, Shahid expressed concerns over the absence of key islands, particularly those in the Boduthiladhunmathi and southern regions of the Maldives, from the designated urban centers.
The government revealed its plans to develop seven islands as urban centers today. However, Shahid questioned why some major islands on both sides of the country were left out of the initiative.
Shahid emphasized that the government needs to explain to the people living on those islands why their islands have been excluded from this important designation. He also noted that the consultation of island and atoll councils is crucial in decisions regarding urban development. Shahid cautioned that designating certain islands as urban centers should not sever them from the decentralization process and manage them from larger urban areas.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had previously outlined plans for the country’s medium—and long-term development, including establishing integrated development zones in the northern and southernmost provinces and developing seven urban centers.
Today, the Ministry of Housing confirmed that the urban centers would be set up in the following locations: R. Ungoofaaru, B. Eydhafushi, and Lh. Naifaru, Adh. Mahibadhoo, F. Nilandhoo, Dh. Kudahuvadhoo, and L. Fonadhoo. These centers will form part of a broader development plan aimed at modernizing key regions of the country.
The government has now introduced a bill to officially establish these urban centers, which is currently being reviewed by the joint committee of the National Development Committee and the Decentralization Committee.
The government revealed its plans to develop seven islands as urban centers today. However, Shahid questioned why some major islands on both sides of the country were left out of the initiative.
Shahid emphasized that the government needs to explain to the people living on those islands why their islands have been excluded from this important designation. He also noted that the consultation of island and atoll councils is crucial in decisions regarding urban development. Shahid cautioned that designating certain islands as urban centers should not sever them from the decentralization process and manage them from larger urban areas.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had previously outlined plans for the country’s medium—and long-term development, including establishing integrated development zones in the northern and southernmost provinces and developing seven urban centers.
Today, the Ministry of Housing confirmed that the urban centers would be set up in the following locations: R. Ungoofaaru, B. Eydhafushi, and Lh. Naifaru, Adh. Mahibadhoo, F. Nilandhoo, Dh. Kudahuvadhoo, and L. Fonadhoo. These centers will form part of a broader development plan aimed at modernizing key regions of the country.
The government has now introduced a bill to officially establish these urban centers, which is currently being reviewed by the joint committee of the National Development Committee and the Decentralization Committee.
