Hoadedhoo Residents Assured of Progress on Long-Delayed Fish Processing Plant

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured the residents of Hoadedhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, that the disputes between the local fishermen and the island council regarding the proposed fish processing plant will be resolved amicably. He provided this assurance while addressing the community during his ongoing three-day tour of various islands in the Huvadhu Atoll.

In his address, President Dr Muizzu acknowledged the residents’ concerns about the delayed construction and operation of the fish processing plant. The project, which saw the allocation of 13.5 hectares of land to Horizon Fisheries Pvt. Ltd. twenty years ago, will only be considered complete once the plant is built and operational, thus benefiting the fishermen and the local fishery sector, the president stated.

President Muizzu underscored the necessity of achieving a sustainable solution through a collaborative agreement between the government and Horizon Fisheries. The administration is committed to ensuring the land plot is utilised in a manner that is most beneficial for the island and its community, he said.

“From this [project], the island and [fishery] sector is not deriving sufficient benefit. [The administration] will determine how that land plot can be most beneficial and find a solution based on the residents’ preferences. We will identify an amicable solution that is most advantageous for the people,” he assured.

President Dr Muizzu also unveiled plans to allocate an uninhabited island under the jurisdiction of Hoadedhoo to its residents, thereby enabling them to benefit from the tourism sector. This initiative is currently under discussion with the Attorney General, he revealed.

The president also announced budget allocations for housing projects in Hoadedhoo and Madaveli, a road construction project in Hoadedhoo to be executed within the next two years, and plans to extend the healthcare centre’s services to 24 hours. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance the education sector on the island.

President Muizzu’s visit to Hoadedhoo is part of his broader tour of nine islands in the Huvadhu Atoll, which includes Nadellaa, Vaadhoo, Fiyoari, and Rathafandhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and Kanduhulhudhoo, Nilandhoo, Maamendhoo, and Dhevvadhoo in Gaafu Alifu Atoll.