Picnic island for every atoll included in 2027 budget

Finance Minister Hassan Zareer announced on Thursday that next year’s proposed state budget includes provisions to develop a picnic island in every atoll.

Presenting the budget, Zareer said promoting a healthy society is a key priority for the administration. To provide families and friends with opportunities to spend quality time together, the budget includes plans to develop dedicated picnic islands across all atolls.

However, the Minister did not disclose the specific amount allocated for the initiative in next year’s budget.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu first pledged to develop a dedicated picnic island in every atoll on August 19 last year.

At the time, the President said research on the project would be completed promptly, with physical work to commence following Cabinet deliberations.

The President emphasized that the initiative aims to enhance the well-being and happiness of citizens. He also clarified that while one main island would be designated for each atoll, additional picnic islands could be developed for individual islands where necessary.

Several atolls already have islands specifically developed and designated for public recreation and picnics.