No land in Addu for prison: Atoll Chief

Mohamed Abdulla Atoll Chief of Addu Atoll has said that even though government is considering in establishing a prison facility in Addu, there is no land available in Addu Atoll for such a purpose.

Speaking to Miadhu yesterday, Atoll Chief said even though islands of Addu Atoll are considerably large islands with ample land, such empty land are almost used up due to various industrial activities undertaken for the development of the atoll. In this regard he noted that there is no island in Addu Atoll suitable for the construction of a prison facility and that at present there is no island in Addu Atoll with enough open land to construct such a prison.

Opposing the idea of having a prison facility in Gan of Addu Atoll, Atoll Chief Mohamed Abdulla said that it is commonplace in Maldives for inmates to break out from prisons and that if those occurrences would prove quite dangerous to industrial facility such as Gan where tourism and international air transport has now been successfully established. He said that just one act from a prison inmate is enough to destroy the good image of the country and totally destroy the now flourishing economy of the atoll. Prisons should be established at isolated places and that effects of having prison facilities where people resides are being felt even now said Atoll Chief Mohamed Abdulla. He further said that he would not support any project that might hinder the economic development of the atoll.

Speaking to Miadhu on the matter, Dr. Abdulla Waheed Deputy Home Minister said government is re evaluating its decision to construct a prison facility in Addu and that a final decision has not been reached.

Atoll Chief Mohamed Abdulla further said that none of the government agencies has informed him of a decision to construct a prison facility in Addu. He further noted that although many residents have expressed their dissatisfaction on the matter, no official correspondence has been made to the Atoll Office on the matter. He however said a delegation from the Atoll Committee has met with the concerned government authorities and has conveyed the sentiments of the people.

Society for the Development of Addu (SDA) has condemned the government decision to establish a prison facility in Gan of Addu Atoll. SDA condemned the government decision in a news release issued by the organization.


The news release expresses concern on the government decision to establish prison facility in Gan of Addu Atoll at a time when Gan has just been upgraded to an international airport and is viewed by people of the 4 southern atolls as a major economic contributor to the developments of their atolls. The news release also stated that the decision was not a sound decision considering the safety and security aspects.

Speaking to Miadhu, Chairperson of SDA Ahmed Rafiu stated that he had already consulted Addu Atoll Chief on the issue. Chairperson Rafiu revealed that Atoll Chief’s response was “the decision was already taken”. Chairperson Rafiu said under the circumstances the organization is in the process of getting a petition ready for submission after Eid holidays.

Recently at a press conference held in the press room Fansavees at Dharubaaruge Home Minister Abdulla Kamaaluhdheen said in order to improve and enhance security of prisons, new facilities are being planned and that the government has reached a decision to construct a prison facility in Gan of Addu.

Courtesy: Miadhu