British Red Cross abandons Kolhufushi project in Maldives

The British Red Cross has withdrawn from a major tsunami reconstruction project on Kolhufushi Island (Meemu Atoll) in Maldives due to the failure of local and central government to reach a final decision on the development plan.

The Red Cross withdrew last month and reportedly handed over the earmarked money to central government. The failure to carry the project through has cost a 'substantial' amount, according to sources on the island, since a Malaysian building contractor had already been employed for the project.

It is unclear what, if any, conditions have been attached to the aid. Minivan news has been unable to contact the organisation's acting head of mission for two weeks.

The local disagreement centred around the plan of moving the entire settlement to the centre of the island, and therefore demolishing all existing housing, rather than just rebuilding houses damaged on the coast by the tsunami. The Red Cross was there to work only on houses that were wholly destroyed by the tsunami and were waiting for the authorities' decision before moving forward.

But majority support for the radical move was frustrated by the objections of just five families who wish to remain where they are.

MDP shadow home minister Hassan Afeef visited the island in February with a Parliamentary committee set up to advise the government on tsunami reconstruction. The report they submitted, expressing support for the comprehensive resettlement plan, was never responded to by Male' authorities who had promised to make a final decision.

(Minivan News - MDP worldwide )