The construction of 75 new housing units has officially commenced in Dhiggaru, Meemu Atoll marking a major step forward in addressing the housing shortage on the island.
The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company Limited (MTCC) had been awarded the contract in 2024 to develop the project, which will deliver modern, 1,000 sq ft homes. Each unit will feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room, kitchen, dining area, laundry space, and a storeroom.
According to MTCC, excavation work is now underway to lay the foundation for the development, signaling the start of a transformative infrastructure initiative for the island’s 1,300 residents.
The project comes in response to decades of land erosion that has severely limited available space for housing and development on the 10-hectare island. To combat this, a comprehensive shore protection project was implemented, which included the dredging of 25 hectares of new land. This reclaimed area is now safeguarded by a 700-metre seawall, a 138-metre outer seawall, and a 332-metre geo-bag revetment, significantly enhancing the island’s resilience against coastal erosion.
In a significant policy push, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced in September 2025 an expansion of the housing project and a broader development agenda for Dhiggaru.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to holistic growth, the President revealed plans for a new 30-bed hospital to strengthen local healthcare services.
Additionally, structural upgrades will include the redevelopment of the island’s harbour, the construction of a nine-classroom school building with a multi-purpose hall, and improved facilities for local fishermen, who form the backbone of the island’s economy.