Thursday
19th Dec 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Sattelite Image of Dhapparu and Filladhoo
The Filladhoo Council has requested that Dhapparu, Haa Alif Atoll be returned to Filladhoo’s jurisdiction. The council made its request on Tuesday in a statement regarding President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s decision to remove Dhapparu from its jurisdiction.
A statement signed by all members of the Filladhoo Council read that Dhapparu is connected to Filladhoo by land, and that the island’s residents are connected to Filladhoo’s history.
It further read that Dhapparu was the first island inhabited by the ancestors of Filladhoo residents, and there is still a cemetery in Dhapparu as proof. The council believes it is their responsibility to protect the historical monuments and antiques on the island, regardless of whatever project is being conducted.
According to the council, Filladhoo and Dhapparu signed places such as Kelaa Thundi, Maakolhu in Baarah, Kudadhoo in Uligamu, and Koshikolhu for agricultural development in 1960. The state then allocated the areas to the nearest islands in 1974, and Dhapparu was allocated to the residents of Filladhoo.
Noting that all areas aside from Dhapparu were declared as part of the other islands’ jurisdictions, the Filladhoo Council requested Dhapparu and Huraagandu in Filladhoo to be included in the island’s jurisdiction. The council also stated it has no reason to believe there are any legal measures preventing the development of the northern and southern areas of Filladhoo without removing the island from its jurisdiction.
Initially, Dhapparu was declared as part of Filladhoo’s jurisdiction. However, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on August 29 issued a presidential decree, removing Dhapparu from the island’s jurisdiction.
The council reported that it has been receiving a number of complaints and concerns regarding the matter. The council also added that the island also has property belonging to the Filladhoo Council.
As Dhapparu was removed from its jurisdiction without prior discussion with the council, the council has requested relevant administrations at the President’s Office to clarify the matter.