President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced land reclamation work has officially commenced in Giraavarufalhu. He made the announcement in a social media post stating the work began on the morning of 30 January.
The reclamation project is being carried out using the trailing suction hopper dredger Orangeia, one of the largest dredgers brought to the Maldives. The vessel has the capacity to carry up to 22,000 cubic metres of sand at a time.
While reclamation work has now begun at Giraavarufalhu, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu earlier stated that the project is expected to be the first reclamation initiative in the Greater Male’ area to be completed.
According to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report released on 22 January, a total of 169 hectares of land will be reclaimed under the project. To date, 56 hectares have already been reclaimed, with a further 113 hectares yet to be completed. The report states that 12 hectares were reclaimed during the first phase of the project, followed by 18 hectares in the second phase and 26 hectares in the third phase.
The EIA report further notes that reclamation will next be carried out in deeper areas. A new land-use plan has also been developed for the Giraavarufalhu . Following the revision of the land-use plan, a redraw will be conducted among land recipients.
Under the revised plan, a total of 4,072 plots of four different sizes will be allocated. These include 2,603 plots of 1,250 acres, 1,214 plots of 1,650 acres, 254 plots of 2,050 acres and one plot measuring 2,450 acres.
The Giraavarufalhu reclamation project is aimed at addressing the housing challenges faced by residents of the capital. The government has stated that efforts are underway to complete the project as soon as possible and provide housing opportunities to the maximum number of people.
In addition to Giraavarufalhu, reclamation works are also ongoing in the Malay area and in several parts of the provinces. Authorities have confirmed that the third phase of the Hulhumale reclamation project has been completed, while reclamation activities continue at a rapid pace in other locations.