Housing minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib has said the proposed Rasmale’ reclamation project is necessary to meet housing demand in Male', arguing there are no viable alternatives.

Responding to a question from MDP Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem in parliament today, Minister Muththalib said limited land availability in the Male' area makes it impossible to meet housing needs without new reclamation.

He said existing reclaimed land could accommodate a maximum of 12,000 flats, requiring the government to look beyond current capacity.

“The Rasmale’ project is a compulsory project. Without it, we cannot provide more housing for the people of Male',” he said.

The project is planned over a 20-year period and has been promoted as a "dream project" of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

Minister Muththalib said ongoing projects launched under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih; including Gulhifalhu and Giraavaru Falhu, would continue alongside Rasmale’, and would not be negatively affected.

However, he noted that significant funding is still required for those projects, and that raising financing has become increasingly difficult. As a result, some work is being handed over to state-owned companies, he said.

Under the Rasmale’ plan, 11,000 hectares of land will be reclaimed, with 25,000 plots to be allocated. Of these, 15,000 plots and 7,500 flats have already been announced.