The land reclamation project for Hulhumale’ Phase III has resumed, a key government initiative aimed at addressing the housing challenges within the Male’ region.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Monday inspected the progress of the ongoing land reclamation works. He was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers and senior officials from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). During the visit, the President inquired regarding the project and received briefings from relevant authorities.
The project, contracted to Capital Marine and Civil Construction Company Private Limited (CMC), will reclaim a total of 63 hectares using a 22,000 cubic metre dredger from Boskalis. Since the project commenced in September 2023, 24 hectares of land have been reclaimed.
Progress on the project was temporarily halted to revise the Hulhumale’ Masterplan. With work now resumed, the remaining 38 hectares will be reclaimed in the current stage. HDC has advised vessels operating in the area to exercise caution during dredging activities.
According to HDC, the newly reclaimed land will be allocated for residential, industrial and marina development purposes. Residential plots from the area will also be issued to residents of Male’ City.
The government has introduced special measures to accelerate land reclamation projects planned across various parts of the Maldives as part of its efforts to address the nation’s housing shortage. The third phase of the Hulhumale’ land reclamation project forms an important part of this strategy. The government is working to complete the project swiftly and provide housing opportunities to as many people as possible.
In total, more than 1,600 hectares of land are being reclaimed across five areas to ease the land constraints faced by the capital region. This includes 277 hectares in Gulhifalhi, 192 hectares in Hulhumale Phase I, and an additional 85 hectares in the same area.
Meanwhile, 160 hectares are being dredged in Giravaaru Falhu, of which approximately 60 hectares have already been reclaimed. The government has also planned the reclamation of 200 hectares in Uthuru Thila Falhu, an area designated for industrial purposes, and 1,009 hectares in Fushidhiggaru Falhu for the ambitious Rasmale’ Project.
To expedite progress, additional dredgers are being brought in by the government. Two 45,000 tonne hopper dredgers and one 11,000 tonne hopper dredger are expected to be utilised for operations later this month.