Gov't resumes reclamation of Ras Malé

The reclamation of K. Fushidhiggaru lagoon, also known as Ras Malé or Maldives Eco City which is the current administration’s first-ever project, has resumed.

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) on Sunday revealed that the reclamation work of Ras Malé has resumed and that the work is progressing at a rapid pace.

HDC stated that this is another step towards development and progress.

However, HDC did not disclose further details regarding the process.

RaajjeMV understands that the reclamation work of Ras Malé was contracted to Sri Lanka’s Capital Marine and Civil Construction Company (CMCCC).

It has been decided to reclaim a large area of 1,153 hectares from Fushidhiggaru Lagoon, which is being developed under the name of Ras Malé.

Although the work on the project initially began on 18 December 2023, it was halted within a short period.

It was reported that a major chunk of the reclaimed area was eroded.

However, the government initially stated that the project work had not stopped and was ongoing.

After facing severe public backlash, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in an interview given to state media Public Service Media (PSM) in April, noted that the project was put on hold, putting the brakes on its progress.

Muizzu promised that the project would resolve the housing crisis facing the capital region and its residents.

While the government asserts that the project is not funded by the state and that all land reclamation expenses will be covered by CMCCC, the project is being executed by granted CMCCC a total of 70 hectares of land.

The incumbent administration claims that alleviating the housing crisis faced by the capital city’s residents, is one of their key pledges.

President Muizzu proposed a strategic solution to this issue through the reclamation and subsequent development of Fushidhiggaru Lagoon as a city and following its successful completion, it would create a land mass three times the area of the two phases of Hulhumalé.

With this, the project has been dubbed the “most” extensive land reclamation project ever undertaken in the Maldives.

Ras Malé is expected to pave the path for expanded trade and revenue, as well as the formation of more employment opportunities.

As per his presidential pledge, Muizzu earlier said that the reclamation project will proceed on a zero-carbon and safe island concept.

Highlighting that Ras Malé is being developed as a safe island with adequate area to fulfil international standards, the president noted that it would surpass the height designated as a secure island under international criteria, as it would rise three meters above in the center and approximately two meters above on either side.

Noting that eco-friendly methods would be observed in developing all the facilities in Ras Malé, President Muizzu noted that the development plans would create a green and calming atmosphere. Further, he stated that it will be an eco-friendly, green, and eco-city powered by renewable energy.

Noting that the city will be developed as a convenient city for all, the president added that the city would be accessible for those with disabilities as well.