The government has intensified the pace of development at Rasmalé, the eco-city initiative launched by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to address the country’s mounting housing needs. Rising on reclaimed land at Fushidhiggaru Falhu, the project represents the largest reclamation effort in Maldivian history, encompassing 1,009 hectares.
The venture began in 2023 but faced early delays, prompting the administration to intervene and accelerate operations to meet strategic deadlines. To advance work across the twelve designated zones, the Maldives Airports Company Limited deployed advanced dredging equipment, including the Cristóbal Colón, one of the world’s largest trailer suction hopper dredgers. Since its arrival in early December, officials have reported a reclamation rate exceeding one hectare per day, with twenty-three hectares completed in just eighteen days.
Authorities project that the reclamation phase will conclude by March, barring unforeseen setbacks. President Muizzu has indicated that the administration intends to finalise the recipient list for 25,000 residential plots by the time land works are completed, underscoring the project’s central role in alleviating housing shortages. At the same time, the Ministry of Finance and Planning has begun seeking consultants to design a master plan for a sustainable transport network linking Rasmalé to the capital, ensuring accessibility and long-term viability for the new city.