One of the reclaimed islands in Emboodhoo Lagoon has been designated as a picnic island for residents of Male’ City.

The announcement was made during a ceremony, which was ongoing at the time of press. The announcement was made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Speaking during the event, Minister of National Planning and Infrastructure , Mohamed Aslam noted that it has been quite some time since the previous picnic island for Male' residents - Kuda Bandos - was taken for other purposes. The lack of such a picnic island in close proximity to the capital has been an issue that the residents have faced for a while.

The Minister highlighted that the picnic island that is being developed is part of 'Crossroads Maldives' which is the most expensive tourism project in the country to date.

"Male area does not have a natural island like that. So we have to explore options such as reclaiming a new island or developing one that has been reclaimed already. We are really happy that Singha Estate has agreed to give one of the islands that have been reclaimed for their investment in the crossroads project. They have also agreed to provide us further assistance in the development of this island as a separate island for picnics for the residents of Male' city," the Minister added.

The Minister also noted that even though the picnic island will be separate from crossroads, once the island starts receiving picnic goers, people would be able to use all leisure activities of the resort as well.

The Minister also added that the island will be developed with various outdoor and watersports activities in mind, and works would near completion during the coming year.