President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that a massive dredger will arrive in the Maldives in the first week of December to fast track the Rasmalé land reclamation project, the country’s largest housing initiative and the core of his administration’s plan to deliver a permanent solution to the Malé housing crisis. He confirmed that the entire Rasmalé reclamation will be completed by April next year.
The President made the announcement during a meeting with Machangolhi residents, where citizens shared the daily hardships they endure due to the lack of adequate housing. Responding to these concerns, he said that more land must be reclaimed in addition to the already announced projects to ensure every eligible resident receives a flat or plot.
He reaffirmed his commitment to reclaiming the deep basin of Gulhifalhu and revealed plans to reclaim 150 hectares from Uthuru Thilafalhu to allocate additional land. He noted that Rasmalé reclamation is progressing rapidly, with dredging already underway in three different areas.
According to the President, the incoming dredger is twice the size of the one mobilised today for Hulhumalé Phase 3 reclamation work. Expected to reach the Maldives around December 7, the new vessel will accelerate Rasmalé’s development significantly.
“In summary, the housing promise I made to the people is a promise that will be fulfilled and can be fulfilled. A lot of work has already been done. Matters concerning land creation have been arranged,” President Muizzu told the gathering.
The government plans to allocate 25,000 plots from Rasmalé, envisioned as an eco city designed to provide long term housing security. Of these, 15,000 plots and 7,500 flats have already been designated, with guidelines published and applications set to open on January 4. In addition, BML has been tasked with building 3,000 flats in Hulhumalé.
“Therefore, by the end of this term, the issue of plots and flats will be resolved. God willing, this will resolve the issue for every person above 18 years of age living in Malé who lacks any form of housing,” he said.
The President criticised the previous government’s Binveriyaa initiative, stating that plots were allocated without any land reclamation. He noted that his administration is now working to reclaim the required land and hand over the plots properly to the recipients.
Earlier today, a dredger was brought in to speed up Hulhumalé Phase 3 reclamation, which he said will be completed by the end of next month. He added that once the Environmental Impact Assessment for Giravaru reef is finalised, reclamation there will begin immediately. Work at Giravaru is expected to finish within two to three months, after which plot handovers can start.
Throughout the meeting, President Muizzu assured Machangolhi residents that their broader needs and requests would also be addressed as part of his administration’s wider urban development agenda.
