The President's Office has stated that residents will begin settling in Ras Male' by the midway point of the President's term.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister at the Presidential Palace Iqbal Adam noted that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's highest priority is housing. In this regard, he said the government is committed to reclaiming Fushidhiggaru Falhu and developing Ras Male', which is the largest ever development project in the country's history.
Additionally, Minister Iqbal highlighted the need to provide an immediate and permanent solution to the housing crisis in Male' City. He said the Ras Male' project will solve the issue of atoll residents moving to the Greater Male' Region for education, health, and employment purposes. He also said that every government has commenced projects to solve the housing crisis without yielding much desirable results. However, he assured that the next five years will bring solutions to housing.
Furthermore, Minister Iqbal said 10 hectares have been reclaimed since the beginning of the Ras Male' project last week and that 1,153 hectares will be reclaimed within eight months. He added that the development of the area will start as soon as reclamation is completed.
As such, Minister Iqbal said that residents will begin moving to Ras Male' by the midway point of the President's term, which will in turn benefit the economy, resulting in the reduction of public debt. He detailed that this is a result of proper planning and transparently providing information on the country's economic situation to international financial institutions. He added that Ras Male' will include residential, mixed residential, commercial and industrial development with parks and squares.