The government has announced seven islands to be developed as urban centres.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu pledged, during last year's election campaign, to develop seven islands as urban centres.

The islands to be developed in accordance with the pledge are;

• Raa Ungoofaaru
• Baa Eydhafushi
• Lhaviyanu Naifaru
• Alif Dhaal Mahibadhoo
• Faafu Nilandhoo
• Dhaal Kudahuvadhoo
• Laamu Fonadhoo

Adhadhu understands that Fonadhoo was a last-minute addition to the list.

In a Facebook post by Laamu atoll council President Ismail Ali on Thursday, Laamu Gan was mentioned as one of the islands to be developed as an urban centre.

It is not clear why Laamu Gan was removed from the list.

Every administration since former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has given priority to the development of Laamu Gan.

However, the current administration has replaced Laamu Gan with Laamu Fonadhoo, the hometown of Parliament Speaker and the ruling party's Chairperson Abdul Raheem Abdulla.

Apart from the Male' region, more than 10,000 people live in Seenu Hithadhoo and Haa Dhaal Kulhudhuffushi.

According to President Muizzu’s manifesto, the main hub of the northern region is Kulhudhuffushi. This area comprises Haa Alif, Haa Dhaal and Shaviyani atolls.

The main hub of the southern region is Addu city. This area has Gaaf Ali atoll, Gaaf Dhaal atoll, Fuvahmulah and Addu cities.