HDC to build two nurseries for Gan tree planting program

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has been awarded the project to build two nurseries in L. Gan under the program to plant five million trees, a program that was announced by the current government.

The Environment Ministry released a statement today, which stated that the ministry and HDC had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the program to plant five million trees to build two nurseries in Gan that was announced by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

The Gan Island Council allocated the required land for the nurseries in February.

The program began on World Environment Day on 5th June. The program aims to revitalize the trees that have seen a decrease in population, increase the nation's greenery and maintain the environment.

The Environment Ministry stated that the two nurseries will expand the five million tree planting program in various areas and see rapid progress in the program. The ministry said that one nursery will be 20,000 square feet while the other will be 100,000 square feet.

Deputy Minister Ahmed Atheef, who is in charge of the program, said that the first nursery will see completion before the end of the year, along with it being operational as well. He stated that the second nursery will be operational before July 2026.

Atheef said that when both nurseries begin to be in use, the tree planting program will see a revolution. He stated that while one of the biggest difficulties of the program is in acquiring trees in Maldives, the nurseries will bring about a major ease in that regard.

As per the ministry, an agreement has been signed with the Chinese government under free aid to build a 55,000 square foot nursery, with preparations having been made. The nursery will be built in Hulhumale' Phase 2, which will include a meeting room, laboratory, an office and labor accommodations.

The ministry went on to say that employees from their "Five Million Department" have been to China this year, with the purpose of the visit being to hold a discussion regarding the modern nursery to be built in Maldives by the Chinese government.

The ministry also said that it is important to develop a nursery in order to quickly plant trees and expand the work being done. The ministry stated that discussions have also been held regarding the design of the nursery, the trees to be planted and the actions to be taken in growing useful trees under the program.

The ministry continued by stating that the nursery to be built in Hulhumale' will be easily accessible to the public, with it being in a spacious area. The ministry said that the in the future, nursery will accommodate students for awareness programs, and that the nursery will be designed as such.