Shaviyani Atoll - RajjeViyu

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 7 months ago | neutral

Maldives to Develop Two UAV Bases of Operations

The Maldives will develop two unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) bases at Gan in Seenu Atoll and Funadhoo Island in Shaviyani Atoll to strengthen monitoring of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Three drones were purchased from Turkey with concessions, and currently operate from Maafaru International Airport. Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon stated that the base at S. Gan should be completed within the first two weeks of November 2024, with operations expected by end of November. The base at Sh. Funadhoo will follow. Operations at Maafaru are suspended due to runway extension, resuming on 25 October. The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) will bear the costs. The government plans to acquire more drones.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 1 month ago | concerned

Elderly Man Remanded in Funadhoo Over Sorcery Allegations

A 60-year-old man has been remanded by the Funadhoo Magistrate Court for 15 days on sorcery charges, accused of attempting to cast black magic on newly elected Funadhoo representative Mohamed Mamdooh (Manday). The arrest sparked protests by island residents demanding legal action. Sorcery (sihuru) is prohibited under the Religious Unity Act, but legal loopholes hinder prosecution. Belief in black magic is widespread in the Maldives, where licensed folk magic (fanditha) is permitted under a 1978 law. Past incidents include the Islamic Ministry ordering Sangu TV to cancel a sorcery programme in 2016, and the Maldives Figh Academy warning against promoting black magic in 2015. Manday won the election with 1,110 votes, defeating MDP candidate Ilham Ahmed.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 1 month ago | neutral

Government Inks Deals With MTCC to Develop Airports Across Shaviyani and Thaa Atolls

The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has been awarded contracts to develop airports at Vilfufushi Island in Thaa Atoll and Billehfahi Island in Shaviyani Atoll. Agreements were signed on Thursday, 18 April 2024 between the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure and MTCC. The Billehfahi project, valued at MVR 256 million, includes a 1,500-metre runway, terminal, and office building. The Vilfufushi project, valued at MVR 277 million, includes an 1,800-metre runway, terminal, and airfield lighting. Additionally, MTCC received contracts for surveys and environmental impact assessments for airports at Komandoo and Guraidhoo islands. President Mohamed Muizzu had pledged to develop airports at Milandhoo, Guraidhoo, and Vilfufushi.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 7 months ago | optimistic

Government Invites Bids for Development of Nalandhoo Island as Tourist Resort

The Ministry of Tourism of Maldives has for the second time invited bids to develop a tourist resort on Nalandhoo island in Shaviyani Atoll. The previous lease for sea-cucumber farming was terminated with compensation to repurpose the island for tourism. The initiative came after consultations President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had with island councils during his visit to Shaviyani Atoll in 2021. The first bid announcement was in August of the same year, alongside Medhafushi island in Haa Alifu Atoll, and later Ruhthibirah island in Thaa Atoll. Investor interest in resort development has cooled recently, with sparse bid submissions and fewer lease handovers.