Land reclamation project in Giraavarufalhu has reached 69% completion according to latest updates. The island is part of the government’s plans to expand land territory for housing needs.
Lack of affordable housing in the Maldives capital, which is home to more than half of the country’s local population, remains a persistent affair.
According to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the developers have already reclaimed 115 hectares of land for the initiative; which is 68.8% of the entire project. MACL confirms a total reclamation of 167.15 under the project, with the remaining portions expected to be reclaimed soon.
MACL has commissioned ‘Queen of the Netherlands’ trailing suction hopper dredger for the project.
Earlier on January 30, President Muizzu announced official project mobilization for Giraavarufalhu. He also said the project will be the first to reach completion among all land reclamation efforts in the region.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the project mentions a total of 169 hectares of land reclamation. In previous years, 56 hectares of land for the initiative had been reclaimed, while the government resumed the project this year with the objective to reclaim 113 hectares.
The new island’s land use plans were revamped by the current administration. The government scrapped previous land allocation arrangements with finalized applicants. The government launched a new allocation effort amongst the applicants earlier, and completed allocations by January 31.
Applicants received their plot details, including plot numbers, through the Hiyaavehi Portal; which had been launched by the current administration. Some of these applicants were relocated to new plots in Gulhifalhu.
Under the new land use plan, the government intends to issue 4,072 land plots from Giraavarufalhu, which include:
- 2,603 plots of 1,250 square feet
- 1,214 plots of 1,650 square feet
- 254 plots of 2,050 square feet
- One plot of 2,450 square feet
Giraavarufalhu, which is part of a larger reclamation effort aims to provide a permanent solution to Greater Male’ region’s housing difficulties.