Government Relocates 1,114 Plots from Giraavaru Lagoon to Gulhifalhu, Contradicting Muizzu’s Pledge

In a surprising move, the Maldivian government has decided to transfer 1,114 land plots originally allocated for Giraavaru Lagoon to Gulhifalhu, contradicting President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s earlier pledge to distribute plots from their designated locations. The announcement was made by Minister of Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib during a press conference at the President’s Office. Muththalib cited the unsuitability of Giraavaru Lagoon for habitation as the primary reason for the relocation. The previous administration under Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had planned 5,186 plots for Giraavaru Lagoon and had already notified recipients. The current government has revised the land use plan, reducing the total number of plots by 4,072. Muththalib stated that the amended plan is ready for gazetting and that a lottery for plot recipients will be held in January, with handovers expected within six months. Reclamation work for Giraavaru Lagoon, which had been halted, will resume after the completion of Hulhumalé Phase III. President Muizzu had previously pledged that all citizens would have land or homes within five years.