President Muizzu Sets April Deadline for Giraavarufalhu Dredging Completion

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that dredging operations at Giraavarufalhu will conclude by the end of April, with the allocation of housing plots set to begin in late June. The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) commenced work on the remaining 97.15 hectares of a 167.15-hectare reclamation project on January 30. In a social media update, President Muizzu confirmed that two dredgers are operating daily to maintain the accelerated schedule. A new land-use plan has been prepared and finalized during the dredging phase, leading to a redraw among eligible recipients. A total of 4,072 plots across four size categories will be distributed. The allocation includes 2,605 plots of 1,250 square feet, 2,313 plots of 1,650 square feet, 253 plots of 2,050 square feet, and one plot of 2,450 square feet. The current administration revised the initial plan to address a lack of essential infrastructure relative to the projected population. The updated design now incorporates adequate space for green areas and other key public facilities. This project is part of a broader government initiative to expedite land reclamation in the Greater Malé region and across the atolls. Dredging for Hulhumalé Phase Three has already been completed, while work continues at Rasmale’. According to a January Environmental Impact Assessment report, previous phases of the Giraavarufalhu project had already reclaimed 56 hectares of land.