Dredger for Rasmale' reclamation, April deadline: President

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated last night that in order to finish the largest housing project being undertaken to find a permanent solution for the housing crisis in the Male' region, a large dredger will be brought to Maldives in the first week of December to expedite the process.

The project in question is the land reclamation of Rasmale'. President Muizzu also said that the project will finish within April 2026. 

During President Muizzu's visit to Machangoalhi last night, many residents shared the difficulties they have been facing due to how long they have had to wait for housing.

In response, the President said that in addition to the land reclamation projects, more land needs to be reclaimed in order to commission more flat and plot projects.

President Muizzu stated that he has pledged to dredge the deep waters of Gulhifalhu, with the decision having been made to reclaim 150 hectares of land in Uthuru Thila Falhu in order to provide flats and plots.

The President went on to say that they are hastily working on reclaiming land in Rasmale', with three areas being reclaimed simultaneously.

As per President Muizzu, the dredger that will be brought to Maldives in the first week of December will be twice the size of the dredger that has been brought to reclaim Hulhumale' Phase 3. He also said that with the dredger's arrival, it will further expedite the reclamation of Rasmale' from 7th December onward.

"Overall, the housing pledge I made to you citizens will be fulfilled, with a lot of work already having been done. The creation of land has already been arranged."

The government has decided to give away 25,000 plots in Rasmale', which is being developed as an eco city as a permanent solution for housing. Of that 25,000, 15,000 will be plots and 7,500 will be flats, with its regulations having already been announced as well. The application for said project will open on 4th January 2026.

Additionally, BML has been awarded the project of building 3,000 flats in Hulhumale'.

"And so, the plot and flat crisis will be solved as this term comes to an end. Those who are 18 and above who do not have any housing will hopefully see a solution to their woes," said the President.

Along with these projects, the President stated that the housing crisis in Male' will be solved.

While shedding light on the previous administration's Binveriya project, President Muizzu said that the plots had been given to citizens without the land having been reclaimed, but the land is currently being reclaimed with the plots being handed over as well.

President Muizzu went on to say that the dredger that was brought yesterday will expedite the land reclamation of Hulhumale' Phase 3, with the work seeing completion by December's end.

He also said that an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIA) will be conducted as to which parts of Giraavaru Falhu can be reclaimed, with the requisition of resources for said report kickstarting the report.

As per the President, work on Giraavaru will begin within the coming month, with the project being completed in two to three months time and work in handing over the plots subsequently starting.

President Muizzu gave his assurance during the meeting to Machangoalhi residents that their requests will be granted.