President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday announced a comprehensive plan to tackle the pressing housing shortage in the capital Male' region, promising the allocation of 15,000 land plots and the development of 7,000 new housing units.
This ambitious initiative announced by the President during his Republic Day address, aims to provide a permanent solution to the long-standing housing challenges faced by residents in the greater Male’ region.
Central to this plan, according to President Dr Muizzu, is the acceleration of the Rasmale' land reclamation project. Citing the need for speed, the President declared an intention to triple the dredging rate within the next month, with additional dredgers already procured and paid for.
The Rasmale' project, which will dredge 1,100 hectares of land, is expected to yield 15,000 plots over the next five months, with the President promising to announce details regarding the application process for these plots soon.
President Dr Muizzu emphasised that housing and land allocations will prioritise the most needy, with a focus on "family housing." Initial phases will be opened to long-term residents of the city and those most in need.
Beyond Rasmale', the President also highlighted plans for the Hulhumale’, Giraavaru Falhu and Uthuruthila Falhu reclamation projects, describing them as crucial for providing permanent housing solutions for the greater Male' region.
The President said that Rasmale' is projected to become the largest land reclamation project in the Maldives to date, while also adding that the dredging work for Giraavaru Falhu has already been agreed upon and is slated to commence this month.
Additionally, the President outlined the development of 3,000 housing units in the Male' area within the next 45 days. An additional 4,000 housing units are also in the pipeline under an Indian Line of Credit, bringing the total number of housing units set to begin construction in the Male' area to a substantial 7,000 in the near future, he added.
According to the President, eligibility for these housing opportunities will be broad, opening applications to Male' residents, individuals on the Male’ registry, people with disabilities, single mothers, widows, youth, and housing designated for specific sectors.
The President reiterated his commitment to ensuring that every citizen over the age of 18 will have access to private housing, fulfilling a key electoral pledge.
Speaking at the function, the President also announced a substantial acceleration in the government’s efforts to eradicate corruption, confirming that major works on the ambitious digitalisation programme ‘Maldives 2.0’ will commence next year.
The initiative is set to be the cornerstone of the administration’s strategy to ensure transparent accountability across all state institutions, a necessary step, the President affirmed, to prevent the system from succumbing to corruption and undermining justice.
Acknowledging that the undesirable characteristic of corruption is prevalent in most countries and often concentrated among those involved in public service delivery, President Dr Muizzu stressed that the most potent solution lies in establishing a comprehensive, transparent, and digital accountability system.
Next year, the President announced, will be devoted entirely to deploying the major infrastructural elements of the 2.0 programme, which aims to render all state institutions—including the government, judiciary, parliament, and banks—completely paperless.
“The works have already started in various stages. Next year will be the year when the major works will start,” the President stated, outlining the timeline for the mammoth transformation.
He confirmed that this is a three-year project, with the major objectives slated for completion by mid-2028. Key measures already underway include the digitalisation of all immigration services, setting a precedent for wider institutional reform.
The President concluded his address by urging all citizens, especially the youth, to participate actively in the effort, emphasising that securing a transparent, fair, and just government depends on the successful realisation of good governance systems.