The residents of Baa Dhonfanu have started protesting against President Mohamed Muizzu’s decision not to carry out the island’s reclamation project.
Earlier today, in a post on social media X, President Muizzu claimed that the residents of Dhonfanu no longer want the reclamation project for their island.
However, Dhonfanu Council President Ahmed Irushad denied this. “The President lied. Dhonfanu residents want the reclamation project. Even now, a lot of people are protesting,” Irushad said.
An online petition was also created to stop the planned reclamation, citing concerns over serious damage to the biodiversity of the protected Hanifaru Bay area.The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) was contracted to reclaim 13 hectares of land in Dhonfanu, a small island with just 398 residents. The project agreement was signed on August 13 during President Muizzu’s visit to the island.
Hanifaru Bay, which covers an area of 529 hectares, is an important ecological site. Its reefs serve as cleaning stations for manta rays. Visitors pay a USD 20 fee to snorkel, while scuba diving is banned to protect the area. Earlier this year, the Environment Ministry announced a plan to protect Hanifaru Bay for the next five years. The plan highlighted that development projects, particularly land reclamation around the area, pose the biggest threat to its fragile ecosystem.
