Rasmalé filling cost estimated at 330 million dollars, says Housing Minister Muhtolib

Housing Minister Dr. Abdulla Muhtolib has stated that the cost to fill Rasmalé is currently estimated at 330 million dollars, a significant reduction from earlier estimates of up to 700 million dollars. Speaking at an 'Aha' forum on Thursday night, Muhtolib said the previous government had estimated the cost between 500 million and 700 million dollars based on rates at the time. He noted that the government has worked to cut dredging costs. The minister specified that filling 1,000 hectares of Rasmalé would cost 330 million dollars, while the 500 hectares to be handed over to UAE's Eagle Hills would cost 160 million dollars. Muhtolib also said the government aims to complete the land filling for the project by the end of this year. However, details about the project's costs and the transaction with Eagle Hills have not been disclosed, drawing criticism.