Efforts are underway to develop a 20-room resort in Gaaf Dhaal Kodegala.
Kodegala, northwest of Gadhdhoo, is a small 3.4-hectare island that has been under the control of the Ministry of Fisheries for many years.
It is not known whether the island was previously leased for any purpose. However, in 2017, Kodegala was included in the list of islands to be leased.
The island was reserved for tourism purposes during the previous government. It was noted as a cross-subsidy scheme to raise funds for projects.
Itaka Home Maldives invested in the island under the cross-subsidy scheme. The shareholders of the company are Mohamed Hassan and Italian company Charisma. Charisma is a holding company involved in various types of businesses.
The lease duration and the amount paid for the island are unclear. Officials of the Tourism Ministry did not answer the phone when reached for comment.
According to the EIA approved for the development of a resort in Kodegala, there will be no water villas.
Deluxe Island Residence - Five Rooms
Deluxe Beach Residence - Nine Rooms
Deluxe Beach Suite - Six Rooms
The estimated time to develop the island is two years. The aim is to complete the work and open the resort by 2026.
Kodegala is the first resort to be developed by Charisma in Maldives. This will be the fourth resort in Gaaf Dhaal atoll.
The resorts currently operating are NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort (Havodda), Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort (Konotta) and Ayada Maldives (Magudduwa).
