Reclamation works at Hulhumalé Phase 3 have been completed, marking a major milestone in the government’s housing and land development programme, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced.
The President revealed the completion during a campaign event of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), stating that preparations are now underway to begin reclamation works at Giraavaru Falhu, another site earmarked for land allocation under the national housing scheme.
Land plots at Hulhumalé Phase 3 had previously been allocated under the Binveriya housing scheme introduced during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Recently, a land draw was conducted for 698 plots across Hulhumalé Phase 2 and Phase 3. The current administration has also announced plans to issue a total of 1,351 land plots from Hulhumalé Phase 3.
President Muizzu said reclamation of Giraavaru Falhu, from which plots were also allocated under the Binveriya scheme, will commence soon. He noted that two dredgers have already been prepared for the work, adding that this would allow land plots from the area to be handed over in the near future.
The President further stated that the government is preparing to begin reclamation works at Uthuru Thila Falhu, while development at Fushidhiggaru Falhu (Rasmale’) is also expected to progress at an accelerated pace.
To speed up reclamation at Hulhumalé Phase 3, the government awarded the contract to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). MACL began reclamation works on November 10, deploying additional resources to meet government timelines.
In November, an additional dredger was brought in to further accelerate the work. MACL utilised a trailing suction hopper dredger operated by Boskalis, capable of extracting up to 22,000 cubic metres of sand per operation. As a result, 40 hectares of land were reclaimed within two months, in line with the schedule set by the government.
With reclamation now complete, authorities say the next steps will include registration of land recipients in accordance with the approved area plan. Plot demarcation will follow, after which land plots will be officially handed over to recipients.
The land draw for Hulhumalé Phase 3 has already been completed among eligible applicants. Under the project, seven different plot sizes will be allocated, with 698 plots set to be distributed in this phase.
Officials say the reclaimed land is expected to be made available shortly, as preparations continue for the handover process.
