Discontented Fonadhoo residents gather near atoll office following distribution of 4,000 square feet land in Gan

Discontented Laamu atoll Fonadhoo residents had gathered near the atoll office and expressed dissatisfaction because 3,000 square feet lands were distributed in Fonadhoo whereas 4,000 square feet lands were being distributed in Gan.

According to Atoll Chief’s Assistant Mohamed Jameel, about 50 people had gathered near the atoll office to clarify why 4,000 square feet of lands were distributed in Gan when only 3,000 square feet plots were distributed in Fonadhoo.

“Fonadhoo residents were unhappy because of this issue,” said Jameel. “The Atoll Chief had explained to the gathered people why 4,000 square feet of land were distributed in Gan. After the Tsunami, British Red Cross had built 4,000 square feet houses so the Housing Ministry had also decided to distribute the same size of land plots as well. This was arranged in order to avoid any disruptions that might occur.”

However Fonadhoo resident Mohamed Khaleel said that the Atoll Chief had not given any satisfying answers to their inquiries during the gathering.

“The Atoll Chief had first tried to avoid answering any questions,” said Khaleel. “He had tried to leave twice while speaking with us. We stayed near the Atoll office for about three hours. The residents were unhappy because different residents were being treated in different ways.”

Land plots in Gan were last distributed on Sunday to 179 residents. The last time land plots were distributed in Fonadhoo was during last year.