President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to reclaim 150 hectares of land from Uthuru Thilafalhu this year to create more housing space.

Speaking in his Presidential Address, he outlined the Government’s strategy to tackle the housing crisis, particularly in the Malé region and other densely populated areas.

Alongside land reclamation, the President revealed that efforts are underway to secure funding for the construction of a bridge linking Uthuru Thilafalhu, Giraavaru, and Thilafushi, with work expected to begin next year.

"In order to create more space for housing, 150 hectares of land will be acquired from North Thilafalhu this year. At the same time, we are working to secure financing for the bridge connecting North Thilafalhu, Giravaru, and Thilafushi, with technical and administrative preparations already in progress," President Dr Muizzu stated.

The Government aims to provide permanent housing to those in need, particularly residents of Malé, Villimalé, Hulhumalé, Gulhifalhu, North Thilafalhu, and Fushidhiggarfalhu.

Uthuru Thilafalhu had previously been designated as a dockyard for the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)under an agreement with India. The former administration had also planned to allocate housing plots in the area and construct a bridge to Thilafushi, but the project did not proceed at the time.