The Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure has handed over the task of land reclamation in Gulhifalhu and Giraavarufalhu islands in Kaafu Atoll to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). Under the agreement, MTCC will prepare a technical proposal for land reclamation and shore protection as per the approved land-use plan.
The agreements were signed by Minister of State for Construction and Infrastructure Ibrahim Tha'aam Mohamed and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTCC Abdulla Ziyad. MTCC will commence efforts to secure financing for the project and develop the technical proposal within a five-month period.
Initially, the previous administration had planned to reclaim 150 hectares of land from Gulhifalhu and dredge 160 hectares from Giraavarufalhu. However, modifications have been made to these plans under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's initiative to maximize land reclamation from both islands. Consequently, an additional 85 hectares of land will be reclaimed from Gulhifalhu and 50 hectares from Giraavarufalhu.
The government has finalised the land-use plans for both islands, including the transfer of 1,347 out of 5,432 land plots from Giraavarufalhu to Gulhifalhu. This decision provides an opportunity for individuals who wish to transfer their designated land plots to Gulhifalhu. President Dr. Muizzu has also announced the allocation of land plots to individuals from the remaining 60 hectares, following the decision to transfer the commercial port to Thilafushi, Kaafu Atoll.
The land-use plan encompasses areas for housing, commercial and economic activities, along with 8% allocated for green spaces.