Housing Minister Says Cost of Filling Ras Malé Lower Than Earlier Estimate, at Around $330 Million

Housing Minister Dr. Abdulla Muhtalib has stated that the cost of filling all of Ras Malé will be approximately $330 million, lower than a previous estimate of $500-700 million. He made the remarks during the “Aha” forum organised by the President’s Office and state media PSM. Muhtalib explained that the earlier estimate was based on the costs of other government land-filling projects at the time, market rates, and environmental protection measures. By handing over the work to various government companies and minimising expenses, the total cost for filling the 1,009-hectare area by the end of this year would be around $330 million. He noted that a significant portion of the expenditure has been spent in Maldivian Rufiyaa to help alleviate the dollar shortage. Muhtalib dismissed claims by some individuals that the project would cost $700 million or $1 billion as politically motivated fearmongering.