For the first time in 36 years, land plots have been allocated to residents of Baa Eydhafushi, an island of 3,600 people long burdened by land scarcity and the emotional toll of waiting for a place to call their own.

The allocation of 183 residential plots from reclaimed land took place on Tuesday at the island’s football stadium, marking a long-awaited moment of relief and hope for many families. The event also fulfilled a key pledge of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

The last time plots were distributed on the island was in 1989. In response to rising demand, the government reclaimed 26 hectares of land in 2014 at a cost of MVR 126 million. However, residents faced repeated setbacks, as planned allocations in 2019 and 2020 were later cancelled due to various challenges.

Despite the 2014 reclamation project, residents remained without access to new housing plots for over a decade – a delay that deepened the island's housing crisis and tested the patience of many.

Eydhafushi Council President Mohamed Fathih described the allocation as a significant step forward for the island’s development and the well-being of its people.

Fathih said the allocation had brought a renewed sense of hope to the island, emphasising that secure housing was the foundation of any stable livelihood. He noted that access to land would finally allow many young people and families to start building better lives. Describing the plots as a long-awaited dream come true, he added that the move would also help address pressing social challenges and improve overall quality of life.

Eydhafushi is one of the islands with the most reclaimed land in the country, totalling 52 hectares. Despite the recent allocation, demand for land remains high.

In addition to the ongoing construction of 1,000 housing units by a Chinese contractor, the Government has announced plans to develop the nearby flat island of Maaddoo as an extension of Eydhafushi.