Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr Abdulla Muththalib has stated that the development of Rasmalé is essential to address housing challenges in the Greater Malé Region, noting that up to 12,000 flats are planned within the Malé area under current constraints.

Responding to a question raised by South Galolhu Member of Parliament Meekail Naseem on the prioritisation of the Rasmalé project while development works are ongoing in three other locations, the minister said that multiple major housing projects, including Hulhumalé Phase III, Gulhifalhu and Giravaru,  are being carried out simultaneously with the Rasmalé project on a priority basis. He added that efforts are underway to establish water, sewerage and electricity networks in these areas at the earliest.

Minister Dr Muththalib acknowledged that the projects involve significant costs and noted challenges in securing financing through conventional contractor arrangements. He said the Government has opted to expedite implementation through State-owned enterprises instead of delaying progress, with preparations already in motion.

Highlighting land constraints in the Malé region, the minister said there is limited space available for further flat development in existing areas such as Gulhifalhu, Giravaru and Hulhumalé Phase III. He explained that the maximum capacity within these locations is estimated at around 12,000 flats, underscoring the need to pursue long-term solutions.

Minister Dr Muththalib said Rasmalé is a forward-looking project aligned with the Administration’s 20-year development vision, aimed at expanding housing capacity for future generations. Land reclamation for the project began in December 2023, with more than 500 hectares reclaimed to date out of a planned 1,009 hectares. The Government aims to facilitate 65,000 housing units under the Rasmalé initiative, while over 8,750 land plots have already been allocated to Malé residents under existing housing schemes.