Raiymandhoo Residents Appeal for Relocation Amid Declining Population and Service Shortages
A significant number of residents from Raiymandhoo in Meemu Atoll have formally appealed to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, requesting relocation to an island with better infrastructure and access to essential services. The appeal, supported by a petition signed by over 65% of the island’s adult population, highlights growing concerns about the sustainability of life on the remote island.
The petition, submitted to the President on August 15 by Raiymandhoo Council President Ismail Nahid, requests government intervention and potential relocation to a more developed area. Among the suggestions is RasMale' (Fushi Dhiggarufalhu), a reclaimed island near the capital that is part of the government's broader plan to expand the Greater Malé Area.
Challenges Facing Raiymandhoo
With a population of just 239, Raiymandhoo struggles with limited access to basic services. Formal education on the island is only available up to Grade 6, with just eight students currently enrolled in the local school. Three foreign teachers provide the limited educational services available. The island's health center also faces challenges, and the population's small size exacerbates difficulties in securing more robust services.
The island’s jetty, a critical lifeline for residents, has deteriorated significantly. Built six years ago, it now suffers from major structural issues, including large cracks in its concrete pillars. Residents also face difficulties docking vessels due to the limited space at the jetty, particularly when larger boats are moored. Moreover, the southwest monsoon makes the jetty nearly unusable, as strong winds render docking dangerous.
Adding to these challenges, erosion on the island’s western side threatens beachfront residences, and the absence of a proper harbor further complicates the island's connectivity with other regions.
Community Sentiment and Petition
The petition, signed by 114 residents, specifically highlights the lack of fundamental services and opportunities on Raiymandhoo. Of the island’s 172 eligible voters, nearly two-thirds have endorsed the request for relocation. The signatories expressed a preference for being moved to RasMale', part of the government’s initiative to alleviate the population pressure on Malé and Hulhumalé by developing nearby islands.
The petition underscores the urgent need for improved living conditions and opportunities that Raiymandhoo cannot currently offer.
Government Response and Next Steps
While the island council has forwarded the petition and a situation report to relevant authorities, it has not yet taken a position on relocation. According to Council President Ismail Nahid, a decision will be made after the government provides feedback on potential options.
The call for relocation mirrors similar appeals from other remote island communities. Earlier this week, residents of Haa Dhaalu Atoll’s Hirimaradhoo requested relocation to Thulusdhoo in Kaafu Atoll, citing comparable concerns about access to basic services and infrastructure.
The Maldivian government has faced increasing pressure from smaller islands, as many feel left behind by successive administrations' focus on developing services in the capital and nearby areas. The rising number of relocation requests reflects the challenges of sustaining smaller island populations as they struggle to access essential services and economic opportunities.
As the administration weighs its options, the future of Raiymandhoo, like other remote islands, remains uncertain. Residents hope that the government's response will bring clarity and a path forward, whether through relocation or the provision of much-needed infrastructure improvements.