Land Exchange Program to Transform Narrow Streets in Male’

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has unveiled a new land exchange initiative aimed at relocating residents living in the cramped, narrow streets of Male’. This program offers an opportunity for these residents to swap their current plots for more spacious land in newly reclaimed areas, addressing longstanding challenges linked to their current housing situations.

Why This Program Matters

You might wonder, why focus on narrow streets? The reality is that many residents in these tight urban pockets struggle to access housing loans because their plots are either too small or poorly located. This has made home ownership and improvement a difficult dream to realize. By offering land in reclaimed zones, the government hopes to provide a fresh start for these families, making it easier for them to build homes that meet modern standards.

What the Program Offers

According to President Muizzu, residents who agree to hand over their current land in Male’s narrow streets will receive plots of equivalent size in new reclaimed areas such as Hulhumale', Gulhi Falhu, Giraavaru Falhu, Uthuru Thila Falhu, and RasMale’. This relocation not only promises better living spaces but also paves the way for a greener, more open Male’.

The vacated spaces in Male’ won’t go to waste either; plans are in place to transform them into parks and green areas, giving the capital a breath of fresh air and enhancing the city’s livability. Formal legal documents to seal the land exchange will be issued later this year, ensuring residents have clear and secure ownership of their new plots.

A Promise in Progress

President Muizzu reaffirmed that many citizens favor staying within the Greater Male’ Region, and this project is designed with that preference in mind. The program will roll out gradually throughout the year, signaling a long-term commitment to improving urban living conditions.

A Look Back: Learning from the Past

This isn’t the first time such an initiative has been attempted. Back in 2010, the “VeshiFahi Male’” program sought to relocate residents by exchanging Male’ plots for flats or land in Hulhumale’. Unfortunately, that effort faced challenges, with many participants left waiting for promised housing that never materialized. This new program, however, aims to build on those lessons, with a clearer timeline and stronger legal backing to ensure residents actually receive what’s promised.