Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Managing Director Mauroof Jameel has said that one of the key reasons why the Hulhumale' Masterplan was revised is to address challenges brought due to space constraints at the Hulhumale' harbour with land reclamation.

Speaking at the ceremony to inaugurate the new masterplan, Mauroof, who was active in drafting the first Hulhumale' masterplan 24 years ago, said that each masterplan will be structured to adapt to the times and development, adding that the masterplan does not necessarily need to be kept static and should instead be changed to accommodate changes over time.

He said that there are significant challenges in implementing the current Hulhumale' masterplan.

Mauroof highlighted the importance of bringing revisions to the Hulhumale' Masterplan at this time when President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has decided to establish an International Finance Centre in the area and transform it into Maldives' financial capital.

"One of the main reasons why the Hulhumale' Masterplan had to be revised is that a large part of the Hulhumale' harbour was reclaimed, compromising a large area of space from the harbour. An island's harbour is one of the most important areas on the island. Without an adequate harbour, we cannot properly run other facilities," Mauroof said.

During the previous administration led by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, a large part of the Hulhumale' harbour area was reclaimed in 2023, from which land plots were issued under the Binveriya Scheme. This caused the loss of a large area of the island's harbour.

Mauroof said that HDC is now working on expanding the harbour area without taking any land from those allocated for housing under the Binveriya scheme. The new masterplan reflects these efforts, he said.

Mauroof said that advice and opinion will be sought from stakeholders and the public before the revised masterplan is confirmed.

Mauroof further said that the new HDC website launched today will contribute towards further streamlining and strengthening their services.

The new website has a special portal for whistleblowers, a chapter for Hulhumale' partners, and the company's code of conduct. It also includes a system providing ease in obtaining building permits, a new bid portal and HDC's strategic action plan.