President reverts decision to reclaim land in Dhonfanu

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has today decided to revert his earlier decision to dredge land at B. Dhonfanu. 

The government contracted MTCC to reclaim 13 hectares of land in B. Dhonfanu to address the housing issues on the island. The announcement was made during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's visit to the island last month. 

However, the move led to a petition being widely signed, calling to drop the project as it would cause irreversible damage to the Hanifaru Bay area adjacent to the island. 

In a post on X today, the President stated that development pledges for islands are made in response to requests from their residents. He emphasized that the government would not pursue actions opposed by the public.

"This is an administration that works closely with the public, towards goals desired by the public," the President stated. 

"As such, I pledged a land reclamation project in B. Dhonfanu based on requests from the island's residents. An agreement was also signed to fulfil this pledge. However, I have now learned from the public that they do not approve of this. Hence, I inform you that the government will not go forward with reclaiming land in that island," the President wrote. 

The President said that the ministry will officially inform this to the B. Dhonfanu council today. 

The last time land plots were issued in Dhonfanu was in 2011. On request from residents, the government earlier decided to dredge 13 hectares of land from the island's lagoon. This amounts to about double the size of the island itself. 

Environmental conservationists have voiced strong opposition to the project, warning that dredging near Hanifaru Bay could severely harm the protected area. 

Hanifaru is located about a kilometer away to the east of Dhonfanu. 

Hanifaru Bay, renowned for spotting whalesharks and manta rays is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is highly popular amongst both tourists and locals. 

The currents at Hanifaru Bay are unique and distinct from other areas. This attracts large aggregations of whalesharks and manta rays especially during the southwest monsoon for feeding. As whalesharks and rays are endangered, the area is of importance even on a global scale.