Feevah Council develops guesthouse using funds saved over three years

The Sh. Feevah Island Council has constructed a guesthouse using funds saved from its administrative budget over the past three years and officially handed over its management to a private party on Saturday.

Speaking to Sun, Feevah Council President Ali Rasheed Hassan said the project was financed entirely through savings from the block grant allocated to the council by the state. He explained that the decision to construct the guesthouse was prompted by the lack of tourist accommodation on the island and the council’s efforts to promote and expand local tourism.

As part of the initiative, the council first established a restaurant, followed by the construction of a five-room guesthouse equipped with a large terrace. Ali said that following an open bidding process that attracted several applicants, the management of the guesthouse was awarded to Balma Sunset Restaurant.

Despite having no independent sources of revenue beyond the state budget, most of which is typically spent on recurrent expenses, the Feevah Council was able to reduce its expenditure and accumulate sufficient savings over a three-year period.

The guesthouse was handed over under an agreement that will provide the council with a monthly income of MVR 22,500, in addition to the MVR 11,000 it currently receives from the restaurant. Ali noted that many other councils and residents had initially doubted that such facilities could be developed using only the council’s existing funds.

He further said that the management company has committed to investing MVR 1.5 million in further developing the property, including constructing two additional rooms. Revenue generated by the businesses will be reinvested in the development of the island.

According to the latest census, Feevah has a population of approximately 700 people, with most residents earning their livelihoods through agriculture.