Dr Abdulla Muththalib, the Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, has disclosed that the ministry is currently formulating new plans to redevelop the Rasfannu Beach and Sultan Park areas. The redevelopment work is scheduled to commence following the conclusion of the fasting month of Ramadan.
This announcement came during a media briefing at the recently reopened Rasfannu Beach, which had undergone temporary renovations. On Thursday, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu visited the site to inspect the improvements. These renovations were undertaken to ensure that the public could utilise the facilities during Ramadan.
Neglect over the years due to inadequate renovation and maintenance has left the Rasfannu area in disrepair. Damage to several facilities prompted public complaints about broken joali (rope chairs), holhu-ashi (local gazebos with bench-like seats made from hollow wooden trunks), and huts, exacerbated by tidal surges during severe weather conditions that also caused beach erosion.
In late February, the Rasfannu area was temporarily closed for renovations to ensure public use during Ramadan. Minister Muththalib, speaking to the press, confirmed that the area has been reopened following necessary temporary renovations. According to him, government offices and government-owned companies collaborated on the project, completing it within approximately a week. The renovations included cleaning the beach, beach nourishment, and the renovation of the roofs of huts and seating arrangements, he added.
Despite the reopening, Minister Muththalib announced that comprehensive redevelopment work will begin immediately after Ramadan. He outlined plans to enhance Rasfannu Beach, promising improved facilities for the public, making it more useful and comfortable.
Currently, there are no public restrooms at the beach, prompting Minister Muththalib to prioritise the development of such facilities. The redevelopment plans also include entertainment options and the repair of the damaged fishing platform, which will be beneficial for fishermen, according to him. Additionally, seating arrangements will be expanded with more joali, he added.
Sultan Park has similarly suffered from years of neglect and lack of maintenance. Minister Muththalib stated that redevelopment plans for Sultan Park are also in the works. The ice skating rink inside the park will be repurposed, and there are plans to complete a building inside the park that remains unfinished.
Highlighting the importance of public spaces in Malé, a densely populated area, Minister Muththalib underscored President Dr Muizzu's commitment to providing areas where families can spend time together. The administration is dedicated to redeveloping facilities like Sultan Park and Rasfannu to ensure the public benefits from these spaces, he said.