With 80 percent of Sh. Feevah consisting of wetlands, residents express extreme concern as reclamation project for 137 housing plots remains stalled for over a year
23 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހުކުރު 10:48Residents and the local council of Sh. Feevah have expressed deep concern over the year-long suspension of land reclamation efforts for 137 plots allocated in the island's wetlands. The Council President highlighted that since the designated area consists of marshy agricultural land, it is impossible for residents to construct homes or settle there until the reclamation work is completed.
Sh. Feevah is an island where approximately 80 percent of the land area consists of wetlands. | Social Media
Sh. Feevah Council President Ali Rasheed has expressed significant concern from both the council and local residents over the prolonged suspension of a land reclamation project. The project, intended to provide land for 137 plots previously allocated on the island, has remained stalled for nearly a year after only a week of initial work.
Speaking on Friday's "Fashaairu" program, Ali Rasheed stated that Feevah was originally composed of approximately 80 percent swampland, and that the island's first settlers initially inhabited the small areas of dry land.
He stated that due to the lack of available land, many residents were previously forced to leave the island as they had no means of building homes or securing their own housing. Furthermore, he noted that the previous MDP administration had also reclaimed land to provide 113 housing plots on the island.
Sh. Feevah Council President Ali Rasheed speaking during Friday's "Fashaairu" program. | RaajjeMV
Ali Rasheed stated that since the current administration took office, one of the public's primary demands has been the reclamation of land for the 137 plots already allocated. He further noted that he had met with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to discuss the matter.
I met with Dr. Muizzu in May of last year. During our discussions, one of the most significant requests I made was to reclaim the land for the 137 plots that have already been allocated. On that day, Dr. Muizzu assured me that there would be no issue. He pledged that they would work closely with us to facilitate the process and provide a definitive solution.Ali Rasheed
Ali Rasheed noted that work commenced shortly after the meeting, with land reclamation for the plots using sand excavated from a designated swimming area continuing for about a week. However, he stated that the project has now been at a complete standstill for a year, with no further progress made since then.
Furthermore, he stated that although temporary registries have been issued for 137 plots, the council is unable to demarcate boundaries or issue permanent documentation. This is because the land consists of wetlands and agricultural areas densely covered with palms and vegetation. He further noted that the terrain is currently so overgrown that even accessing the area remains a significant challenge.
Ali Rasheed stated that the council has been receiving numerous complaints regarding the delay in handing over land plots, noting that young people are still forced to live in their cramped ancestral family homes. He further explained that investing their limited income into developing these old properties is not a viable option, as the land will eventually have to be subdivided among heirs. Consequently, the youth and the wider community are calling for the land reclamation to be completed as soon as possible, enabling them to build their own homes and establish independent lives.
