Minister of Housing, Land, and Urban Development Dr. Ali Haidhar Ahmed has stated that China will assist in the development of 30,000 housing units in Ras Male'. The Maldives and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the development of social housing units in Rasmale' during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's state visit.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister Haidar said that the project will involve the development of 30,000 housing units simultaneously, without carrying out the project in phases. The agreements signed with China include the implementation of the housing project in Ras Male' and the establishment of other basic services in the island. These include the development of other infrastructure, as well as roads and water and sewerage services.
President Muizzu's most ambitious plan to solve the housing crisis in the Greater Male' Region is to develop Ras Male' by reclaiming Fushidhiggaru Falhu. The project involves the reclamation of 1,150 hectares in Fushidhiggaru Falhu and the allocation of 11,000 land plots and 26,000 flats from the area, which would be connected via a bridge and the high-speed ferry service. The administration aims to reclaim an area three times larger than Hulhumale' within a few months.
President Muizzu aims to develop 65,000 housing units in Rasmale' over the next 20 years. The master plan for Ras Male' will be formulated with the assistance of international experts in order to build the first eco-friendly, carbon-free city in the Maldives.
President Muizzu has said that Ras Male' will evolve into a vibrant and exemplary city, gaining recognition worldwide. He also said the ongoing reclamation project remains self-funded without utilizing the state budget, assuring that the project will be completed under this financial arrangement.