Rasmalé Project Essential to Solve Critical Land Shortage in Greater Malé

The Rasmalé reclamation project is an indispensable necessity for the future of the Maldives, according to Dr Abdulla Muththalib, the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development. The Minister warned that a critical land shortage in the capital region threatens to bring housing construction to a complete standstill. Addressing the Maldivian Parliament (the Majlis), Minister Muththalib revealed that existing plots within Greater Malé can accommodate a maximum of only 12,000 additional flats. With 8,750 plots already distributed under the ‘Binveriyaa’ housing scheme, the administration asserts that no further land remains for distribution in current areas, leaving the massive reclamation effort as the only viable solution to an impending housing deficit. The Minister's remarks came in response to inquiries from Meekail Ahmed Nasym, the Member of Parliament for South Galolhu. Nasym questioned why the government is prioritizing Rasmalé while essential infrastructure for Gulhifalhu, Giraavarufalhu, and Hulhumalé Phase III remains incomplete. Minister Muththalib maintained that the state is developing these projects in parallel, focusing on the establishment of critical water, sewerage, and electricity networks. He acknowledged that securing funding through traditional contractor frameworks has been challenging, prompting a shift in strategy. To avoid further delays, the administration has decided to expedite these operations by utilizing state-owned enterprises to execute the work. Describing the twenty-year vision for Rasmalé as "absolutely mandatory," the Minister emphasized that the project is vital for long-term national stability. Progress is already underway; since December 2023, 500 of the planned 1,009 hectares have been reclaimed. Once complete, the development is expected to provide 65,000 new housing units, offering a scalable solution to the urban congestion currently facing the capital.