President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced the availability of an additional 70 hectares of land due to the decision to relocate the commercial port to Thilafushi, Kaafu Atoll. He made this declaration during a campaign organized by the ruling coalition, Progressive Congress Coalition.
President Dr. Muizzu highlighted the housing crisis as a primary issue contributing to the social and economic challenges faced by the citizens. He assured that this challenge would be resolved by the end of his presidential term. Efforts have been made to reclaim land extensively in Hulhumale', Gulhifalhu, and Giraavarufalhu to establish housing units for settlement.
The decision by the previous administration to develop Gulhifalhu along with the commercial port resulted in the loss of 70 hectares of land. To address this, President Dr. Muizzu outlined plans to establish the commercial port in Thilafushi, ensuring the availability of 70 hectares of land for housing projects.
Modifications to the previous administration's decision have guaranteed the allocation of 30,000 housing units. In addition to the initial plan of reclaiming 150 hectares, the president disclosed decisions to reclaim an additional 100 hectares of land, totaling 280 hectares under the project.
Despite efforts to commence the project of dredging Rasmale' with an area exceeding 1,000 hectares, President Dr. Muizzu expressed disappointment over challenges faced in parliament, particularly from the opposition party, to eliminate the project from the budget. He criticised measures taken by parliament members, despite advocating for proper housing facilities in Male'.
President Dr. Muizzu affirmed that individuals previously allocated for housing units under projects like Hiyaa, later abolished by the previous administration, will receive units from ongoing projects. Delays in handing over units from the nearly completed 4000-unit project are due to orders from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for investigation purposes.
Land allocation from completed land reclamation projects in Gulhifalhu and Giraavarufalhu will be provided to rightful owners soon. The president assured the commencement of housing projects in other islands and atolls, beyond the Male' City region.