Six types of trees will be planted in an area of Hulhumale' where Casuarina (Fithuroanu) trees are being removed, as part of plans to create a new public park in the area.
Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is removing the heavily sheltering Fithuroanu trees in front of the Mary Brown building in Hulhumale' Phase 1 and replacing them with a range of other trees suited to the Maldivian climate.
The corporation said the existing trees were removed because they had caused serious inconvenience to the public. Although the Casuarina trees provide shade along the beachfront, their roots have damaged the asphalt in the area, according to HDC.
The work is being carried out as part of HDC’s Waterfront Development Project, which aims to create multifunctional public spaces in Hulhumale' as the city’s population continues to grow.
The redesigned landscape will feature a variety of local trees selected for their suitability to the Maldives’ climate. HDC said the planting scheme will include Sea Hibiscus (dhigga), Sea Trumpet (kaani), Portia (hirundhu), magoo and Ironwood (kurendhi) trees, along with palms.
Casuarina trees were originally planted in the area as part of efforts to protect the coastline from erosion and other environmental pressures. HDC said the new planting scheme is expected to bring positive changes to the area’s environment while improving its climate and overall usability.
The project will also transform the site into a family-friendly recreational space, with a large number of trees incorporated into the design. Once completed, the park will include play areas for children of different age groups as well as a range of other recreational activities.
Communal seating areas will provide space for older residents to socialize and relax, while the wider site will be capable of hosting large public events.
HDC said huts will also be built throughout the area, giving visitors places to rest in the shade while enjoying the waterfront.
The corporation said the redesigned space is intended to bring people of different ages together and create an inclusive public area that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
An HDC official told Mihaaru News on Sunday that the corporation has plans to develop parks along the Ocean Front area of Hulhumalé Phase 1.
The removal of the trees is therefore being carried out as part of the wider park development plan, the official said.
While Casuarina trees are planted across a large area of Hulhumale', large sections of the trees have already been removed from the island for various reasons. Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the loss of the trees, particularly because of the shade and greenery they provide in an increasingly built-up urban environment.
