The Rasmalé development is an indispensable endeavour for the future of the Maldives, Dr Abdulla Muththalib, the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, has said , citing a critical land shortage that threatens to halt housing construction in the capital region. With existing plots in Greater Malé capable of accommodating a maximum of only 12,000 additional flats, the administration has framed the massive reclamation project as the only viable solution to an impending deficit.
This assessment was delivered to the Parliament in response to questions from Meekail Ahmed Nasym, the Member of Parliament for South Galolhu, regarding the government’s strategic hierarchy. Nasym questioned the prioritisation of Rasmalé while infrastructure for Gulhifalhu, Giraavarufalhu, and Hulhumalé Phase III remains incomplete.
Minister Muththalib maintained that the state is pursuing these developments in parallel, ensuring water, sewerage, and electricity networks are established, though he acknowledged that securing funding through standard contractor frameworks has proven difficult.
"Rather than delaying further, the administration has resolved to expedite these operations by executing the work through state-owned enterprises," Minister Muththalib stated. He warned that with 8,750 plots already distributed under the ‘Binveriyaa’ scheme, no additional land remains for distribution in existing areas.
"Consequently, when considering our future, Rasmalé stands as an indispensable project that must be executed," he said, describing the twenty-year vision as "absolutely mandatory." Since December 2023, 500 of the planned 1,009 hectares have been reclaimed to eventually provide 65,000 new housing units.