Reclamation of Maaenboodhoo land was a presidential pledge made by President Muizzu; however, no progress has been made on this project to date
Shathir, the MDP National Congress President for the constituency, has expressed concern over the stalled land reclamation project in Maaenboodhoo, emphasizing that the local community is eager for the project to proceed. He highlighted that land scarcity remains one of the most significant challenges facing the island's residents.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu delivers remarks during a meeting with the residents of Maaenboodhoo — February 24, 2025. | Presidents Office
Despite President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to reclaim two hectares of land as a separate island under the Dhaalu Atoll Maaenboodhoo land reclamation project, it has come to light that the project's activities have stalled.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Vaudhunaama" program, Shathir Abdul Rahman, the MDP National Council President for the Kudahuvadhoo constituency, expressed deep concern over the complete standstill of development projects across the islands within his constituency.
Referring to Maaenboodhoo, Shathir stated that one of the most significant challenges facing the island is land scarcity. He noted that the land reclamation project is the initiative most highly prioritized and desired by the majority of the island's residents.
He noted that physical work on the project typically commences just ahead of every election. He further stated that MTCC mobilized in the island and constructed a bund wall in the lead-up to the 2024 parliamentary elections. Shathir added that prior to the local council and Women's Development Committee elections held on April 4, as well as the referendum, rumors circulated throughout the island that dredging vessels and equipment were en route to begin land reclamation.
However, he noted that the Maenboodhoo land reclamation project has shown no progress to date.
No land has been reclaimed in Maaenboodhoo. Despite signing for a larger area of land than was initially agreed upon with the MDP, the project remains at a standstill. As President Muizzu’s administration enters its third year, with only about two years remaining in the term, the reclamation work in Maaenboodhoo has yet to commence. Meanwhile, the existing bund wall is being eroded away.Shathir Abdul Rahman, President of the MDP National Council's Kudahuvadhoo Constituency.
The reclamation of 30 hectares of land in Maaenboodhoo is a presidential pledge of President Muizzu.
During a meeting with the residents of Maaenboodhoo on February 24, 2025, the President stated that upon completion of the project, two hectares of land will be reclaimed as a separate island, in accordance with the people's wishes.
President Muizzu stated that the project is currently in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) stage. He further noted that the physical work to reclaim 30 hectares of land in Maaenboodhoo will commence as soon as this process is completed.
