In a bold move, Councillors of Gaafu Alifu Maamendhoo today held their meeting at the severely eroded site on the island to draw government attention to the problem.
Speaking to 'The Press', Vice President of the Council Misbaah Mujuthabaa said that the island has been struggling with the erosion problem for 5 to 6 years.
Misbah said that the Council itself has worked on several fronts to resolve the matter and that this includes drawing the attention of several ministries.
He further said that the Council has held a discussion with the MP for the constituency but has not been able to find a solution to the issue.
Misbah recounted that former Environment Minister Dr.Hassan Rasheed Hussain had visited Maamendhoo and promised that shore protection would begin as soon as possible. But Misbah said that these promises remained unfulfilled and that at this rate the Council would have to evacuate the people living near the area.
Misbah further said that up until now around 80 palm trees have eroded away and that the groundwater in the area has also been impacted. He added that the Council is facing continuous complaints from those living in the area.
The Vice President of the Council said that at today's meeting, the Council discussed how these issues can be brought to the attention of President Ibrahim Mohmed Solih.
