The Government has transferred ownership of the land on which the unfinished Casa Mia guesthouse stands to the Mathiveri Island Council, placing the prime tourism zone property under local authority.

Addressing the residents of Mathiveri as part of his ongoing tour of the atoll, President Dr Muizzu assured that the Government would extend full cooperation to ensure the land is utilised in a way that directly benefits the island community. He further recalled his pledge, made on 9 December 2024, to transfer the land to the Council in his address. 

The handover took place during the community meeting at Mathiveri, where Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim presented the official transfer letter to the Council President Ahmed Aslam. 

Casa Mia, a 50-room guesthouse, was initially leased to former Kaashidhoo MP Abdulla Jabir for 10 years. However, the lease was controversially extended by the previous administration to 50 years at a rate of MVR 5 per square foot, contrary to procedures. According to officials, the arrangement resulted in losses exceeding MVR 94 million due to unpaid rent and electricity bills.

Although construction was completed, the guesthouse was never operational. In April 2019, a fire broke out in one of its rooms before the official opening, leaving the property damaged and unused. Since then, Mathiveri residents have not received any benefit from the development.

With the land now under council control, the Government has expressed confidence that its future use will strengthen Mathiveri’s tourism industry and provide tangible returns for the local population.