Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has initiated efforts to relocate corals to dredge five more areas under the government’s landmark, Rasmale’ Project.
The Rasmale' Project will see the reclamation of 1,153 hectares of land, with plans to accommodate 65,000 housing units.
Due to some initial setbacks, the government has planned to carry out the reclamation under a dozen phases, with 29 hectares of Area J’ already completed.
HDC told PSM News that currently, dredging is underway on Areas D, F, G and L where nine percent of the work has been completed.
HDC said coral relocation efforts are now underway to dredge five more areas under A, B, H, I and K.
The government kicked off the reclamation of land for the Rasmale' Project on 18 December 2023. Though the government initially planned to complete the land reclamation of Rasmale' within ten months, adjustments had to be made to the timeline due to delays by the original contractor.
Currently the reclamation work is being carried out by Sri Lanka's Capital Marine and Civil Construction Company (CMC) and Boskalis of the Netherlands.
However, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has vowed to fast track the project, by sourcing the reclamation work to more contractors.
The government stated that Rasmale' will be developed as an Eco City, aligning with the government's vision of sustainable urban growth.