Addu City Council directs citizens to take ownership of compensated land

Aeriel view of Addu Equatorial Hospital | Photo: Avas

Addu City, Maldives – Addu City Council informs the citizens to take ownership of the land they will be provided in compensation for the lands they took from the area around Addu Equatorial Hospital (AEH).

A statement released from the City Council states that as instructed by the law, they have started to allocate lands to the area that was initially to be developed; south of Addu stadium for those whose lands were taken from the AEH area.

Hence, the City Council advises the respective individuals to be present at the Hithadhoo Office before 02:00 of August 10, 2021, to take ownership of the land that will be provided as compensation. The Council also provided the opportunity for those who are not satisfied with the compensated lands to submit a letter to the Hithadhoo Office before the deadline.

The new hospital in Addu City was initially to be developed on the land south of Addu stadium. With the decision from the council to claim land surrounding AEH, the authority was faced with complaints and criticism from the public. 

As per the council, the main purpose of claiming land surrounding AEH is to give the opportunity for economical development in the area.

The Council publicised the charts of the land to be claimed and the charts of where the land will be given back.  The charts dictate that 40 plots of land surrounding AEH are to be transferred to the new block.

The council advises the public not to carry out any activities on the land claimed by the council, adding that they will not be responsible for any consequences. 

While speaking with local media publication Mihaaru, Addu City Mayor Ali Nizar previously said that land was distributed from the area without a proper plan and that it was very congested. He added that as people from several islands will be frequently visiting the hospital, it was not wise to have a congested living area near the hospital.