Vilimalé Housing Tower Relocated to Protect Mature Trees in 300-Unit Project

The government has relocated one of three residential towers planned for a 300-unit housing project in Vilimalé to prevent the removal of large, mature trees. The decision underscores a commitment to balancing urban expansion with environmental preservation. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, stated that while the administration intended to minimize vegetation loss, the original site for one tower would have required the felling of significant trees and extensive trimming of major branches. By shifting the building's footprint, the government aims to maintain the island's existing green canopy. The project, which consists of three 17-storey towers, is being developed by Rasheed Carpentry and Construction Pvt Ltd. Financed by the Bank of Maldives (BML), the project saw its foundation laid last month and is designed to alleviate the pressing housing demand in Vilimalé as its population continues to grow. Addressing the broader housing crisis, Minister Muththalib highlighted the systemic challenges facing residents in Malé. He noted that extreme land scarcity and a lack of public parks have created difficult living conditions for many families, making strategic land use critical in all new developments. This initiative is part of the Inclusive National Affordable Housing (INAH) scheme, a nationwide program implemented through a BML subsidiary. The INAH scheme aims to deliver a total of 3,260 housing units across the Maldives to address the chronic shortage of affordable living spaces. In addition to the Vilimalé development, further housing phases are scheduled for construction in Hulhumalé. By adjusting the plans for the Vilimalé towers, the government seeks to demonstrate that essential infrastructure can be delivered without sacrificing the natural environment—a move that reflects growing public demand for sustainable urban planning in the densely populated capital region.