Residents To Abandon Gaadhoo Island In Laamu Atoll

15 Jan 2016: Gaadhoo in Laamu Atoll is home to some 500 citizens. Most of them have moved to other islands over time and now Gaadhoo is left with only 170 people. The small remaining population is set to move to Fonadhoo. The island that remained inhabited for centuries is now getting abandoned all together. Do you wonder why are they doing this?

Providing facilities such as healthcare, education and infrastructure to such a small population was a challenge to every government. Prosperity of the citizens remained low while administering an island incurs high overheads. Can you imagine running a school for just 20 students? Yes, that was the case.


Photo: Gaadhoo in Laamu Atoll, Maldives. Photo - Haveeru News

The government sponsored 85 housing units in Fonadhoo Island and 38 of them were given away in a previous round of population relocation. The remaining houses are set to be given tomorrow but not all residents will get free house. Some will get a plot of land and about US$25000.


Photo: Map of Gaadhoo shows Olhuveli as the closest resort. See map of all islands

The residents are happy to move and start a new life. Fonadhoo has electricity around the clock, more residents means more commercial activities. In Gaadhoo the people were collecting coconuts to make a living. In Fonadhoo people can get jobs in shops, fishing boats, construction companies. The public school is bigger and have more facilities, teacher with higher qualifications means better education. The relocated population can even fly easier, Kadhdhoo Airport is just a few miles by taxi.

This is a historic moment for the people of Gaadhoo. It is time to abandon the home of their ancestors. But, they are strong in their belief. This decision is good for them and for future generations to come.

The government has so far not announced any plan for Gaadhoo other than ending the island administration. In future it may be an industrial island, a resort or agricultural island. It could as well be abandoned for decades or centuries, like many virgin islands that are preserved for future generations.



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