Author: Mohamed Reehaan

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) now manages and maintains 704 social housing units in Hulhumalé Phase 1. HDC and the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure formalized the arrangement last Tuesday, signing an official transfer agreement. Under the agreement, HDC assumes full responsibility for renovation, upkeep, and general maintenance of the Phase 1 flats. Previously, the Ministry of Housing managing these units directly. Following the signing, HDC moved quickly as maintenance crews began practical work on the flats immediately. HDC has also notified residents of the change. “Effective immediately, all maintenance issues concerning the 704 housing units will be addressed…

Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib has declared that Vilimale’ will become a thriving hub of opportunities before President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s five-year term concludes. He made the statement at a foundation-laying ceremony last Thursday, marking the start of a 300-unit housing project that the Bank of Maldives will finance and construct on the island. At the ceremony, the Minister recalled President Muizzu’s visit to Vilimale’, where residents raised one concern above all others: a serious housing shortage affecting growing families. Residents also told the President directly about their struggle to repay home construction loans on a…

The government plans to begin handing over land plots in Giravaru Falhu within three weeks. Minister of Construction Dr. Abdulla Muththalib confirmed the target publicly. He stressed that the administration treats the handover as an immediate priority following the conclusion of land reclamation works. Reclamation of Giravaru Falhu began in late January. The project has since advanced at a rapid pace. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu personally inspected the site today, accompanied by Minister Muththalib. The visit signals the administration’s commitment to delivering results quickly. However, the project has faced planning challenges. When the current administration took office, authorities had already…

The Ministry of Finance and Planning has introduced a comprehensive new set of development control regulations for residential construction in Hulhumalé, published in the Government Gazette and effective today. The ministry issued the regulation under the Urban Planning and Management Act (16/2024), replacing the previous Hulhumalé Planning and Construction Regulation (R-99/2023). The scope of the new framework marks an immediate and significant shift. Unlike its predecessor, which applied only to Neighborhoods 1, 2, and 3 of Phase 1, the new regulation covers all neighborhoods across Hulhumalé. It also carries stronger legal footing, anchored in the national Urban Planning Act rather…

The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has introduced new traffic management arrangements at Velana International Airport (VIA), effective today, targeting smoother passenger movement around Terminal 2. Starting from 10:00hrs this morning, the area directly in front of Terminal 2 now operates as a dedicated pick-up and drop-off zone. MACL has divided the space into two clearly defined sections, each serving a distinct purpose. The zone between the roundabout and the Terminal 2 Arrivals area now functions exclusively as a drop-off point. It features marked taxi slots with capacity for four vehicles at a time. Directly opposite, the section between the…

The Maldives Police Service has recovered MVR 124,277 in stolen funds following a surge in scam reports filed between March 15 and March 21. The Anti-Scam Centre recorded 51 cases during this period, with total reported losses reaching MVR 338,809. Online shopping fraud led the week’s cases, accounting for 27 of the 51 incidents. Authorities also recorded 10 impersonation cases, 8 foreign currency exchange scams, and several phishing attempts carried out through malicious links. Scammers operated primarily through iBay, Facebook Marketplace, online messaging platforms, and direct phone calls. Scam activity has been a growing concern in the Maldives, prompting the…

Bank of Maldives (BML) has submitted a license application to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, taking its first formal step toward opening a branch in the neighboring country. CEO and Managing Director Mohamed Shareef made the announcement on a state media programme on Tuesday night. Shareef pointed to the sizeable Maldivian community residing in Sri Lanka as a key driver behind the move. He also signaled broader ambitions, confirming that BML is actively exploring branch openings in other countries beyond Sri Lanka. Domestically, BML already operates an extensive network. The bank runs 42 branches and 179 self-service centers across…

The government will recruit 456 employees to staff newly established Public Works Units across multiple islands in the Maldives. Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works Adam Shareef made the announcement at a press conference held today at the President’s Office. The government has designated 19 islands to host the new units. These islands include: HA. Dhidhdhoo Sh. Funadhoo Sh. Milandhoo N. Manadhoo R. Maakurathu B. Eydhafushi Lh. Naifaru K. Thulusdhoo AA. Rasdhoo ADh. Mahibadhoo ADh. Maamigili V. Felidhoo M. Muli F. Nilandhoo Dh. Kudahuvadhoo Th. Veymandoo Th. Vilufushi L. Gan GA. Vilingili On staffing, the plan calls for…

The Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) will begin producing water in Kulhudhuffushi City using exclusively solar energy this coming April, completely eliminating the use of diesel in the process. MWSC Managing Director Abdul Matheen made the announcement on World Water Day via a social media statement, highlighting the project as a major step forward in the government’s water security agenda. Matheen noted that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has made it a core policy priority to build water systems that harness the Maldives’ natural resources. This approach aims to ensure uninterrupted water services for citizens, even in the face of…

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to develop national strategic oil reserves across three regions of the Maldives, positioning the initiative as a cornerstone of the country’s long-term energy and economic security strategy. Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office, President Muizzu outlined a phased development approach, with each phase expected to span between 18 months and two years. The full project is projected to reach completion within five to six years. Preliminary research for the National Oil Reserve has already been initiated, with planning and structural frameworks currently under development. The President drew parallels between…