Addu City Mayor Ali Nizar has declared that the City Council intends to collect rent for land allocated to Google for its major infrastructure project in the southern city.

The initiative, which involves Google investing in a submarine cable landing station and a network facility in Hithadhoo, Addu, was first announced by the Ministry of Economic Development in November last year. Despite initial statements from the Addu City Council regarding a lack of project details, Mayor Nizar has now taken a firm stance on land compensation.

“I will convey to Google’s management that we will collect rent for that land,” Mayor Nizar stated. He further emphasized that even if current arrangements suggest the land is being held without cost, the council is committed to securing rental income for the city’s resources.

The Ministry of Economic Development previously highlighted that this project was finalized following high-level discussions between President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Google’s executive management during the President’s 2024 visit to New York. The government expects the project to establish the Maldives as a key regional telecommunications hub.