Jail and rehabilitation centre to be built on Uthuru Thila Falhu

The government has decided to reclaim 45 hectares of land from Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) and build a rehabilitation centre and a central prison complex.

The government today announced projects that are to be conducted under economic policies for the general benefit of the State under the Tourism Act. This included 25 important projects that the government has planned, and the minimum funds necessary for these projects.

The document states that a minimum of USD 55 million (MVR 848 million) is needed to fund four important projects in Uthuru Thila Falhu or Giraavaru Uthuru Falhu. Details of these projects are:

- Reclamation of 15 hectares of land for Hope Island under the rehabilitation program: USD 10 million (MVR 154 million)

- Development of Hope Island: USD 15 million (MVR 231 million)

- Reclamation of 30 hectares of land for Central Prison Complex: USD 15 million (MVR 231 million)

- Development of Central Prison Complex: USD 15 million (MVR 231 million)

Hope Island is meant to serve as a rehabilitation and correctional facility for juvenile offenders, or juveniles at risk of being presented to offences.

The government previously decided to conduct a major agricultural project through reclaiming land from UTF. However, late last year, this project was relocated to Rasmale'.

Also included is the development of airports in thirteen islands. For this project, a minimum funding of USD 5 million (MVR 77 million) is listed.

The minimum funding for reclamation of Rasmale' and Gulhi Falhu, and conducting a social housing project is state at USD 5 million (MVR 77 million).

An additional project designed to protect Maldives' sovereignty and independence cites USD 15 million (MVR 231 million) as the minimum amount of funding. No further details regarding this project was disclosed.

From separate projects, the highest funding is stated as required for a High Performance Centre. The cost of this project is said to be a minimum of USD 20 million (MVR 308 million). The exact location of the High Performance Centre was not specified.