The Mayor of Fuvahmulah, Ismail Rafeeq, has invited public consultation on the city’s new infrastructure development plan.

Recently on Facebook, the Mayor outlined his vision and priorities for improving land utilisation across the island, with a strong emphasis on long-term planning and sustainable urban development.

Fuvahmulah encompasses approximately 494 hectares and has a population of 14,251. As the third-largest island in the Maldives, it is home to two significant mangrove ecosystems. Despite its considerable size, the island is facing a shortage of usable land, primarily due to increasing population density and the inefficient use of land allocated for public and institutional purposes.

Mayor Ismail highlighted that several areas designated for Government institutions and public services remain either undeveloped or poorly utilised. He specifically addressed the overcrowding at the island’s hospital, which was built on a separate plot but has since required temporary extensions due to spatial constraints and a lack of coherent long-term planning.

To mitigate these issues, the Mayor proposed a transition towards vertical development. His proposal includes constructing Government buildings up to six storeys high and residential flats ranging from seven to ten storeys. These buildings would incorporate commercial and parking facilities on the ground floor to enhance practicality and accessibility.

In addition, the City Council has resolved to construct a central office complex to relocate Government departments, thereby creating further space for commercial and administrative use.

Mayor Ismail stated that the optimal use of the island’s land resources will necessitate the full cooperation of the public, governmental bodies, and all relevant stakeholders.