Bridge-linked islands under Male' jurisdiction: President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated last night that all islands that can be connected with a bridge will fall under the Male' jurisdiction. 

Many criticize the decision to grant State land plots to Male' residents after reclaiming nearby lagoons due to land scarcity in Male' itself. In the debate, one question asked by many is why lagoons not in Male's jurisdiction are being reclaimed to give land to Male' residents.

Meeting residents of Galolhu ward, Male', last night in Imaadudheen School, President Muizzu addressed this concern, speaking about reclamation of Giraavaru Falhu and Gulhi Falhu. 

"Will it fall under the jurisdiction, or not? That will be decided under legal procedures. All places that can be connected with a bridge are to be placed under this jurisdiction. That are my thoughts on this," he said.

"So, up to Uthuru Thila Falhu, we are about to start reclamation there as well. So, Uthuru Thila Falhu, Giraavaru Falhu, Gulhi Falhu, all these places will be included in the Male' jurisdiction."

Land from these places are being allocated to Male'-registered residents, and others residing in Male', the President said. Hence, the 'Male'ness' of these places must be maintained, he noted, adding Rasmale', too, will be developed in this way. 

Male', Hulhule' and Hulhumale' were connected with the Sinamale' Bridge in 2018, during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen. In 2022, during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, a bridge construction project was commenced to connect Male', Vilimale', Gulhi Falhu and Thilafushi. 

The current administration started deliberations last year to connect Thilafushi, Giraavaru Falhu and Uthuru Thila Fushi with a bridge. 

The government has now brought in two additional dredgers to speed up reclamation of Hulhumale' Phase 3. This work is set to be completed within the month, with reclamation of Giraavaru Falhu scheduled to commence in January. This will then be followed with reclamation of Uthuru Thila Falhu. A large dredger has also been brought to speed up Rasmale' reclamation efforts.