Kaafu Atoll

Police to Conduct Autopsy Abroad for Infant Who Died in Guraidhoo

Police have announced plans to send the body of a four-month-old baby from Guraidhoo Island, Kaafu Atoll abroad for an autopsy following the infant's death on Friday night. The death is under investigation. The child was pronounced dead on arrival at Guraidhoo Health Centre at 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, and the body was transported to Malé at 3:00 a.m. No visible injuries were noted, though some media reported signs of a nosebleed. Police have not commented on why the autopsy is being conducted abroad.

Backlog Resolved: Fishermen Set to Receive Funds in 48 Hours, Declares President

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced that fishermen will receive funds within 48 hours starting tomorrow. He revealed that 38 million rufiyaa owed by the previous administration has been settled, paid to 196 fishermen with BML accounts and 20 with MIB accounts. The President acknowledged delays due to MIFCO reforms. A new agreement between the Ministry of Finance, MIFCO, and BML ensures timely future payments. The announcement coincides with Fishermen’s Day.

Fuel Facility at Funadhoo Will Relocate to Thilafushi Instead of Maagiri Falhu: STO

The fuel storage facility at Funadhoo Island in Kaafu Atoll will be relocated to Thilafushi instead of Maagiri Falhu, confirmed STO Managing Director Shimad Ibrahim. Relocation to Thilafushi is expected to be completed within three months. The Muizzu administration decided to move the facility to develop Funadhoo as a special economic zone and international finance hub, and to connect Funadhoo to Malé and Velana International Airport via a monorail. MACL signed an MoU with BUCG on 15 October for the monorail. Maagiri Falhu was previously allocated to HDC by the Solih administration.

‘Operation Kurangi’ to Expand Nationwide in July

The Homeland Security Ministry announced the nationwide expansion of 'Operation Kurangi' in July to collect comprehensive data on migrant workers and address undocumented immigration. Initially launched in Himmafushi and Maafushi Islands, Kaafu Atoll, the operation involves collaboration with local councils, Maldives Police Service, and the Department of National Registration. Deputy Minister Ashraf Ali stated final preparations are underway, with training for council officials to be completed before 20 July. The simultaneous island-wide operation aims to prevent evasion. Undocumented migrants can legalize their status, but recent raids in Malé apprehended over 50 illegal immigrants facing deportation.

BML Introduces First US Dollar ATM Outside Malé on Maafushi Island

Bank of Maldives (BML) launched the first US-dollar ATM outside Malé on Maafushi Island in Kaafu Atoll, installed at its Maafushi Branch. The ATM provides USD withdrawals and deposits, catering to tourists, guesthouse operators, and residents. BML also expanded branch services to include loans, financing, cheque deposits, currency exchange, etc. Moosa Nimal, Director of Retail, Business, and SME Banking, expressed delight and emphasized commitment to round-the-clock banking.

Maldives Launches ‘Operation Kurangi’ to Tackle Issue of Undocumented Migrants

The Maldives government launched 'Operation Kurangi' to tackle undocumented migrants. Initiated on Himmafushi Island in Kaafu Atoll, the operation is led by the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, Maldives Immigration, and Maldives Police Service. Minister Ali Ihusaan announced the first phase focusing on identification and reintegration, expected to last one year, with the overall operation spanning three years. The operation uses biometric data collection. The minister also noted the demand for unskilled labor.

Maldives Inaugurates First Micro-Grid Seawater Desalination Plants

The Maldives inaugurated its first micro-grid seawater desalination plants on five islands, funded by Chinese grant aid. The ceremony on Kaashidhoo Island, Kaafu Atoll, was attended by Chinese Ambassador Wang Lixin and Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib. The plants produce 200 tonnes of desalinated water powered by 200 kW solar energy, and the Kaashidhoo plant includes a 100 kW wind turbine. The project aims to diversify renewable energy sources beyond solar and contribute to President Mohamed Muizzu's energy goals.

Chinese Tourist Drowns Off Maafushi Island

A 30-year-old Chinese tourist drowned off Maafushi Island, Kaafu Atoll, on Thursday at 10:20 a.m. near Active Watersports. The victim was taken to Maafushi healthcare centre but died. Police have initiated an investigation. This incident occurred two days after a 68-year-old Swiss woman died in a diving incident off Muli Island, Meemu Atoll.

President Announces Plans for International Financial Hub on Funadhoo Island

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced plans to develop Funadhoo Island in Kaafu Atoll into a major international financial centre. The announcement came during the inauguration of the Velana International Airport expansion and economic zone project. The President outlined a strategy to relocate existing fuel storage facilities from Funadhoo within two years, and to connect Funadhoo with Malé and Hulhulé via a bridge. He also disclosed plans to propose the establishment of the 'Maldives International Financial Services Authority' in collaboration with the Maldives Monetary Authority. Additionally, the President discussed shifting port development from Gulhifalhu to Thilafushi Island to build a comprehensive commercial port.

Nimal Resigns as Kaafu Atoll Council President, Hints at Future Political Portfolio

Mohamed Nimal resigned as Kaafu Atoll Council President, citing difficulties working away from home. Nimal, also Vice-President of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), hinted at assuming a political position soon, stating he is with President Muizzu and that a resignation was necessary for a new role.

Ras Malé Reclamation Project Raises Transparency and Governance Concerns

The Ras Malé land reclamation project, a flagship government initiative, has sparked controversy over transparency and governance. The contract was awarded to Sri Lanka's Capital Marine and Civil Construction Company (CMC) without competitive bidding, drawing criticism given the government's previous condemnation of similar practices. Urbanco's Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed defended the decision, citing the uniqueness of the offer and promising 65,000 housing units without immediate financial burden. CMC will receive 70 hectares of land on long-term lease as compensation. The project is under scrutiny by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and there are unresolved funding issues lacking parliamentary approval. The project aims to address the housing crisis but now raises governance concerns.

Controversy Surrounds President Muizzu’s ‘Ras Malé’ Land Reclamation Project

A case filed with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has cast controversy over President Mohamed Muizzu's 'Ras Malé' land reclamation project in Kaafu Atoll's Fushidhiggaru lagoon, contracted to Sri Lanka's Capital Marine and Civil Construction Company. The project started on 12 December without state budget inclusion and without transparent contractor selection, according to reports. The opposition-controlled parliament removed an initial MVR 400 million allocation. President Muizzu announced at the 'Kangathi Awards 2023' that the project would proceed without state expenditures, aiming to reclaim 1,153 hectares for a new city with 65,000 housing units, an airstrip, ferry system, and eco-city designation. Critics question legality and transparency.

Project to Develop Marina, Three Picnic Islands at Dhiyaneru Launched