Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Abdulla Muththalib has said that some utility works in Gulhifalhu are being handed over to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) and the Road Development Corporation (RDC) in order to expedite progress.
The minister said the current government reviewed and revised the Gulhifalhu master plan after taking office, and that a Chinese company was awarded the contract to develop the island’s road network in early 2025. Under the agreement, works include the establishment of water, sewerage and electricity networks, road development to modern standards, as well as the installation of dewatering systems and gas storage and distribution infrastructure.
Sharing updates on the project, Minister Muththalib said the Chinese contractor was originally awarded responsibility for utility works across the entire island. However, he noted that the company is still in the process of securing the required loan to commence the work. To prevent delays, the minister said some components of the project will now be reassigned to MTCC and RDC.
The minister said land has so far been allocated to more than 3,500 individuals in Gulhifalhu, with over 230 hectares of land already dredged.
The minister also provided updates on land reclamation projects in the Greater Malé region. He said dredging works for Phase Three of Hulhumalé have been completed, with water and sewerage works scheduled to begin soon.
With the completion of Hulhumalé Phase Three, he said reclamation works at Giraavarufalhu are now ready to commence. Preparations are underway to begin work within this month, and the land will be handed over according to the beneficiary list prepared by the previous government. He added that dredging works are expected to be completed by April, as scheduled, and that land allocation to beneficiaries under the Housing for All scheme will begin this year.
A total of 63 hectares has been dredged under Phase Three of Hulhumalé, while 160 hectares are planned to be reclaimed at Giraavarufalhu. Additionally, 1,009 hectares of land is being reclaimed at Rasmalé.
The minister said these large-scale reclamation projects will provide a long-term solution to housing challenges in the Malé region.