President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that land reclamation at Uthuru Thilafalhu will commence shortly after the completion of dredging works at Giraavarufalhu.
He made the remarks during a press conference held at the President’s Office, outlining plans for the development of what he described as Uthuru Thilafalhu. According to the President, the area will be zoned for both residential and industrial purposes and will also include a dedicated rehabilitation facility known as “Hope Island”.
A key component of the development is the establishment of a 200-hectare Agriculture Economic Zone. The first phase of the project will focus on the cultivation of imported plant varieties, primarily within greenhouse facilities. The second phase will expand production to include bulbs and tubers, such as onions and potatoes, as well as other commonly consumed food items.
In addition, the second phase of the broader development plan includes the construction of a poultry farm and chicken hatchery. The President said the facility will be scaled to meet national demand, with the aim of eliminating the need to import eggs.
Another flagship initiative within Uthuru Thilafalhu is “Hope Island”, a juvenile rehabilitation centre intended for children considered at risk of engaging in criminal activity. The government plans to reclaim 15 hectares of land for the 700-capacity facility. The centre is expected to provide correctional services, rehabilitation and treatment programmes for minors exposed to criminal environments.
The President also highlighted the deployment of large dredging vessels to accelerate land reclamation projects in both the Greater Malé region and the atolls.
He noted that reclamation for Hulhumalé Phase III has been completed, while dredging at Rasmale’ is progressing rapidly. Similarly, reclamation works at the Giraavarufalhu are advancing at pace, with more than 15 hectares completed to date.
The planned reclamation of Uthuru Thilafalhu forms part of a broader government strategy aimed at expanding land resources to support housing, industry, agriculture and social development initiatives.