Dhapparu Returned to Filladhoo's Jurisdiction

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has decided to return Dhapparu back to the jurisdiction of Filladhoo (Haa Alifu atoll). Both islands, Dhapparu and Filladhoo, are connected to each other by a narrow strip of uninhabited land.

Dhapparu was originally under the jurisdiction of Filladhoo when the Decentralisation Act; which grants the President power to determine island and regional jurisdictions. The decision was later amended, and Dhapparu was removed from Filladhoo's jurisdiction.

Many residents of Filladhoo had expressed their concern regarding the decision. A petition, bearing 450 signatures, had also been lodged at the Preisdent's Office and the Citizen's Majlis; requesting a reversal to the separation.

The presidential spokesman, Mabrook Aziz, issued a statement via Twitter today stating that the President's Office had conferred with the Filladhoo Council, and that the matter had also been discussed at the Economic Council. Mabrook said that after such deliberation, the President had decided to return Dhapparu back to Filladhoo's jurisdiction.