Maamigili harbor was handed over to MPL without discussing with the council of Maamigili

President of Maamigili council Abdullah Mufeed has stated that the harbor of Maamigili was handed over to MPL without discussing with the council and that the people of the island are extremely concerned about it.

Mufeed also said that the information disseminated by media about the size of the harbor is wrong as well. The size of the harbor according to Mufeed is 670 meters and if MPL is given 600 meters the islanders can use only 70 meters.

In addition he said that the people of the island wants an international sea port in the island. He said that the government deciding to develop a sea port in Maamigili is a happy news for them however, this change will alter the land usage plan of the island. Mufeed said that some of the land plots in the harbor area are already leased to and some people have invested in the lands as well. He said that hence it is important to know whether these people will get compensation.

Furthermore, Mufeed said that they also want details of the benefits the islanders will get through this project. He said that no official discussion was held with the council and their attempts to contact related authorities failed. According to Mufeed they were able to contact the person in charge of land usage plans.

Mufeed said that the council will cooperate with the government to turn the harbor into an international commercial harbor but the government needs to discuss the details with the council. Mufeed said that if the whole area is considered as part of MPL’s port the island’s major source of revenue will be slashed. “The island will not get any money by renting the port area. This is how it is in all islands” said Mufeed.

In addition Mufeed said that even now they have allocated an area to run a port and that is one of the largest areas allocated for a port in any island of Maldives. He said that the council is ready to extend the area if there is a need.

Mufeed said that the councilors were elected by the people and hence the councilors will always think about what is the most beneficial for the people of the island.

“Maamigili council always cooperates with the government. The council tries to do what is beneficial for the people. Even the government knows this very well.” Said Mufeed.