The Addu City Council has announced plans to take action concerning over 1,700 land plots that were allocated five years ago but have remained unused.
Concerns Raised by Residents
The council has received multiple complaints from residents about the large number of plots that have not been occupied or developed during this period.
The council expressed concern over the social issues arising from the inactivity.
Unused land plots have become hubs for undesirable activities, while stagnant areas have contributed to the breeding of insects such as mosquitoes, posing health risks and causing significant inconvenience for nearby residents.
Unregistered Land Plots
Additionally, the council noted that some of the plots were never fully registered after being allotted.
The council emphasized that steps will be taken in accordance with regulations to resolve these issues.
Number of Unused Land Plots in Different Areas
The number of unused land plots in different parts of Addu are as follows:
- Hithadhoo: 802 plots
- Maradhoo: 106 plots
- Maradhoo-Feydhoo: 23 plots
- Feydhoo: 160 plots
- Hulhudhoo: 12 plots
- Meedhoo: 109 plots
Council's Actions and Requirements
The Addu City Council has reminded the public that the state holds legal authority to reclaim land titles from individuals who fail to start residing on their allocated land within five years of receiving it.
Landowners must now adhere to the following measures within specified time frames:
- Register unregistered plots within 30 days from the notice.
- Clean and maintain the plot and surrounding areas within 30 days.
- Construct boundary walls within six months.
- Begin construction on the plot within one year.
Failure to comply will result in fines, and the council reserves the right to revoke both temporary registration and the land allocation certificate.
Background on Land Allocation in Addu
Land allocation in Addu City was announced last year, with 3,972 eligible recipients.
Although some land draws have been conducted, much of the process remains incomplete, and official handovers have yet to occur.
Previous efforts by the government to reclaim and redistribute land in various neighborhoods of Addu have also faced challenges.
