A request was made today to the Parliament's committee to arrange a meeting to share the concerns of relevant experts regarding the decision to cut down trees and build housing units in the Funavaa area of Villingili.
In a letter sent to Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla, MDP member for Galolhu North constituency Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) stated that the decision to build 300 housing units across 17 stories on a plot of land was made despite concerns expressed by environmental organizations and associations comprising professionals in the construction field regarding the negative impacts such a project would have on the environment and its surroundings, as well as planning concerns.
In the letter, Kudu noted that Villingili is the only island in the Male' area where one can experience natural greenery and tranquility away from congestion, and it is a special destination that plays an important environmental and social role while improving the quality of life for the public.
"Due to changes in the building regulations of Villingili and new projects, there is a fear that the island's original character will be lost and it will transform into a congested place. An increase in buildings means the island's greenery and open spaces will decrease, and a vital environment for the residents of the Male' area to find peace of mind will be lost," the letter stated.
"Therefore, instead of viewing Villingili only as a place to build, it must be protected as a vital environmental asset useful for the entire Male' area."
According to Kudu, the construction of housing units in the Funamaa area is an issue that has drawn concerns from relevant professionals. Consequently, he has requested that a meeting be arranged, as he believes it is the responsibility of the relevant committee to look into the best way forward and consult with those parties.
Along with the member's letter, a letter containing the concerns of the Association of Maldivian Planners was also shared.
Under the BML Affordable Home Leasing scheme, it has been decided to build more than 3,000 housing units in Male', Villimale' (Villin'gili), and Hulhumale'. For this work, the process of cutting down the large Funa (Alexandrian Laurel) trees located on the land in front of Villingili Muhyiddin School has already begun.
In response to these concerns, Housing Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib stated that the flat project would be carried out by cutting down as few trees as possible from that land. He said that no tree would be removed unless it was absolutely necessary.
"We have changed our previous thinking, and now we will cut trees to a minimum. Only a tree that absolutely cannot be avoided will be cut," Muththalib said.
