Calls grow for Hulhumale' to become separate city

Former Hulhumale' MP Ali Niyaz and Hulhumale' North MP Hussain Shareef have voiced support for Hulhumale' to be designated as a separate city, independent from Male'.

Speaking on the issue, Niyaz, who chairs the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s decentralization committee, said municipal services in Hulhumale' would not improve unless it is separated from Male'.

“Neither the previous MDP government nor the current administration has transferred municipal services in Hulhumale' to the Male' City Council. The next option is to make Hulhumale' a separate city, elect a separate mayor, and form a dedicated council,” he said.

Niyaz also noted that Hulhumale'’s population exceeds 50,000 and requires more than one councilor to manage its affairs effectively.

MP Hussain Shareef echoed the call, stating that residents of Hulhumale' should have easier access to basic services and government support. He criticized both the Male' City Council and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), which currently manages most services in Hulhumale', for providing incomplete and fragmented services.

“Hulhumale' is home to people from across the Maldives. What’s needed is streamlined access to facilities and government services,” he said.

The renewed debate was sparked by Hulhumale' South MP Dr Ahmed Shamheed, who posted on social media that Hulhumale' is fundamentally different from Male' and deserves its own independent city council.

“The majority in the current council may not prioritize Hulhumale', and it’s not best practice for councilors from another city to govern its affairs,” Shamheed wrote. He added that cities should be represented by those who live there and understand the local culture.

Although Hulhumale' falls under the jurisdiction of the Male' City Council, most municipal services, except for the cemetery, are managed by HDC. Former President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and former Hulhumale' councillor Ibrahim Shujau have also criticized HDC’s control and advocated for transferring services to the council.

Shamheed’s remarks come shortly after a referendum in Addu City on October 25, where residents of Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo voted to secede from the Addu City Council, while Feydhoo opted to remain.