Land reclamation work has officially resumed at Giraavaru Falhu, marking a renewed push to address long-standing housing shortages faced by residents of Malé.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced on X that reclamation activities restarted earlier today, following the completion of Hulhumalé Phase 3. The project is a key part of the government’s broader housing strategy aimed at easing congestion in the capital.
Work Underway Using Multiple Dredgers
The reclamation work is being carried out by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), with two dredgers currently operating at the site to speed up progress. Authorities say the use of multiple dredgers is intended to ensure the project stays on schedule.
Giraavaru Falhu is expected to play a central role in expanding residential land availability for Malé residents, many of whom have faced limited housing options for years.
Contract Changes and Revised Land Use Plan
The project was originally awarded to Capital Marine and Civil Construction (CMC). However, that agreement was later cancelled after it was revealed that the contract required land to be granted to the company in exchange for reclamation work.
Under the current administration, the Land Use Plan for Giraavaru Falhu was revised. Initially, around 90 hectares had already been reclaimed. The revised plan approved the reclamation of an additional 50 hectares, bringing the total reclamation area to 219 hectares.
President Muizzu has previously stated that reclamation at Giraavaru Falhu is expected to be completed within three months, assuming work continues as planned.
Thousands of Residential Plots Planned
Once completed, the reclaimed land will be divided into thousands of residential plots of varying sizes. According to official figures, the allocation will include:
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2,605 plots measuring 1,250 square feet
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1,213 plots measuring 1,650 square feet
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253 plots measuring 2,050 square feet
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1 plot measuring 2,450 square feet
These plots are intended primarily for Malé residents under government housing initiatives.
Binveriya Scheme Plot Locations Updated
The Ministry of Housing has also confirmed that changes to the Land Use Plan have affected the locations of plots previously issued under the Binveriya housing scheme. As a result, a new draw to determine plot allocations will be held on January 31, which falls on a Saturday.
Officials say the updated draw is necessary to align allocations with the revised layout of Giraavaru Falhu following the expansion of the reclamation area.
