President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has removed Farumuli from the jurisdiction of Noonu Maafaru.
In a decree on Sunday, Farumuli was removed from the jurisdiction of Maafaru and listed as an island designated for tourism purposes.
Farumuli and Kandinmahuraa were formerly part of Maafaru. The two islands and 80 hectares from the Maafaru lagoon were removed from the island's jurisdiction in 2020.
Muizzu made a presidential pledge to include Farumuli and Kandinmahuraa under the jurisdiction of Maafaru.
In order to fulfill the pledge, he announced on April 15 last year that the two islands were part of Maafaru.
However, the government did not disclose the reasons for removing Farumuli from Maafaru for a second time.
A few hours after the decree was released, the Tourism Ministry made an announcement seeking a resort developer in Farumuli.
Meanwhile, Maafaru council Vice President Mohamed Amir said the islanders were unhappy about the decision.
He also characterised the announcement seeking a resort developer in Farumuli as a scam for the upcoming local council elections.
"They are doing it to deceive the people. No one in Maafaru believes it can be done. But everyone will hope. I hope for it too," Amir stated.
He expressed concern as the government had stopped all the development projects on the island and said the people do not have confidence in the government.
"In short, they haven't been able to continue the projects started in the last government. They haven't even placed a single new rock," he added.
