In accordance with President Abdulla Yameen's decision, that residents from outer lying islands will occupy the 25,000 flats built on the area reclaimed under Hulhumalé’s second phase of development, the Ministry said it has made all the preliminary discussions and done full research. “We have factored in details of the criteria for giving out flats and are now at final stages of the process” Housing Minister Dr Mohamed Muizzu said. He added that those interested will be able to come forward through application forms. “Island Councils have approached us and we are in talks with them” he continued. “Groups of residents have also approached us expressing their desire to move out of their islands and settle in Hulhumalé”. The Ministry further stated that this re-population plan extends to other, more developed, islands made larger, and therefore suitable for bulk relocation, through reclamation. Muizzu said that the government has planned the construction of 10,000 housing units in the reclaimed area. After having added 240 hectares and reclaiming land up until Farukolhufushi – an island in the same lagoon as Hulhumale’ – the Hullhumalé is 410 hectares and is large enough to house an additional 100,000 people. This capacity, in addition to essentially being the capital city’s suburban extension, makes Hulhumalé an ideal home for those living in islands with scarce resources and access to education and health care.