Minister: Housing for Male’ residents impossible without Rasmale’ reclamation; all plots filled

Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr. Abdulla Muthalib, on Tuesday, said that the Rasmale’ project is essential to addressing the housing crisis as all available land within the Greater Malé region has already been filled.

The Minister made this statement in response to a question raised by South Galolhu MP Meekail Naseem during Monday’s parliamentary sitting.

MP Meekail sought clarification on the anticipated timeline for residents to relocate to Gulhifalhu, Giraavaru Falhu, and Hulhumalé Phase III. He further questioned the rationale for prioritizing the Rasmalé project in light of the existing challenges associated with developing the area.

In his response, Minister Muthalib explained that the Rasmalé project constitutes a long-term strategic initiative spanning approximately two decades, and emphasized that its implementation does not impede the progress of other ongoing housing projects.

The Minister further noted that the previous administration had already allocated all available land in Hulhumalé Phases II and III, as well as in Gulhifalhu and Giraavaru Falhu. In this trajectory, he expressed uncertainty about how 5,000 land plots could be derived from the 169 hectares of land reclaimed from Giraavaru. Moreover, he noted that there is no remaining land within the Malé region to support the construction of further residential apartment complexes.

According to the Minister, even under conditions of maximum spatial utilization across the Greater Malé area, the total capacity would be limited to approximately 12,000 housing units.

“Since the land currently being reclaimed has already been distributed as plots, we must identify alternative solutions to address the housing concerns of the population,” the Minister stated.

In this regard, he characterized the Rasmalé project as necessary for the future.

Addressing the infrastructure requirements of Gulhifalhu, Giraavaru Falhu, and Hulhumalé Phase III, Minister Muthalib acknowledged that substantial financial resources are required to establish essential services such as water supply, sewerage systems, and electricity. He added that, despite existing challenges in mobilizing the necessary funding, efforts are ongoing to commence these works through state-owned enterprises.