President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday visited the Rasmale' reclamation site to inspect progress on the land reclamation and coastal protection works, part of the largest housing initiative launched from a single location in the Maldives.
According to the President’s Office, dredging is being carried out in phases. Site J has been fully completed, while 25.53% of Site L and 20.09% of Site C have been dredged so far.
Speaking earlier at the Republic Day ceremony, President Muizzu announced that 15,000 plots of reclaimed land will be allocated within five months, with priority given to citizens over 18 who do not own any housing, ensuring access to family homes.
He also stated that with the deployment of additional dredgers, the pace of reclamation will triple, accelerating progress across the Greater Male' Region.
ރައީސުލްޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާ، ރަސްމާލެ ހިއްކުމުގެ މަޝްރޫޢު ކުރިއަށްދާގޮތް ބައްލަވާލެއްވުން pic.twitter.com/yWhqP5eA3f
— The President's Office (@presidencymv) November 12, 2025
The Rasmale' project, launched on December 18, 2023, aims to reclaim 1,153 hectares in K. Fushidhiggaru Lagoon to develop 65,000 housing units. The first 15,000 units have already been awarded to a Chinese company.
Envisioned as an eco-city, Rasmale' is designed to be the first zero-carbon city in the Indian Ocean, incorporating sustainable technologies and environmentally friendly innovations.
While the project was initially scheduled for completion within eight months, progress has faced delays. The original agreement with Sri Lanka-based Capital Marine and Civil Construction Company (CMCCC) was later cancelled, as the government opted to proceed without granting land to the contractor.
President Muizzu was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers and senior officials during the site visit, where project teams briefed him on the latest developments.
Aerial view of the Rasmale' project, land reclamation completed as at November 12, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)