More than a decade ago Government
made announcements regarding development of Hulhumale’ and Laamu atoll. At that
time Hulhumale is yet to be formed by land reclamation while Laam atoll has
more than 600 hectors of readily available land to offer, without spending a
single cent. Since the projects are similar in nature, one would expect similar
approaches towards its implementation. However here’s how it went…..
The announcement of Hulhumale’ project, came with quick
action points that made it a success;
- Monetary commitment: Committing 30 million dollar or 384 million rufiyaa to land reclamation alone. By 2007 government was getting ready to arrange funding of 700 million dollars (8 billion ruffiya for the 2nd phase of the project!!
- Corporatizing development: Formation of Hulhumale’ Development Corporation
- Availability of basic services as in Male’: transport, piped water, sanitation, electricity, ….
- Facilitating commercial use of land to create jobs and a vibrant economy: leasing plots for commercial activities, real estate….
Result: by 2008 government declared
that Hulhumale’ is the only island developed to modern standards
but there is still more to do…..!!!!
Surprisingly (are we really
surprised?) commitment and action to implement Laam atoll project went…urr…like
this….
- Monetary Commitment to the project- if any; not known from publicly available media sources
- Corporatizing development- never happened
- Availability of basic services as in Male’- never happened
- Facilitating commercial use of land to create jobs and a vibrant economy: is there any?
Result: still waiting to see…
Some other notable mentions include development planning for
Haa Alif, Seenu, Gaaf Dhaal and many
more atolls…digging all that will make one depressed….so I stop from here.
Like most countries in the region,
Maldives gained independence in the 60s. Ever since then* the people of islands have
been begging the government for meaningful development that is on
par with other newly independent countries like India, Malaysia…. However little changed except for the capital
island….
It’s time the rest of islands
stop begging central government and get the right to develop their own
land based on their dreams and aspirations.
*..Before that most islands are self sufficient and import, export goods on their own, independently of central government, but pays a tax or vaaaru.
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