Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has permitted the dredging and collecting sand from two areas, for the land reclamation of Rasmale'.
The areas in which EPA granted permits are situated to the west of Maafushi, Kaafu Atoll. In addition to these two locations, EPA announced that an area near Ithaafushi Resort is also designated for dredging. EPA issued permits to dredge these locations for a period of six months, to reclaim 562 hectares of land. Housing Development Corporation (HDC) contracted the dredging of these locations to Mohan Mutha Exports Private Limited and China Railway Construction Corporation.
Practical works pertaining to the Rasmale' Project officially commenced on December 18. Although the government initially planned to complete the land reclamation of Rasmale' within ten months, it revealed that adjustments were being brought to the plan following unforeseen challenges which caused delays.
The Rasmale' Project will see the reclamation of 1,153 hectares of land, with plans to accommodate 65,000 housing units. The government stated that Rasmale' will be developed as an Eco City, aligning with the government's vision of sustainable urban growth.