An update has been provided on the land reclamation works of the Rasmale’ project, undertaken to bring a permanent solution to the housing challenges in the city.
A total of 1,009 hectares of land will be dredged under the Rasmale’ project to develop the Maldives’ first eco-city to reduce congestion in the city.
According to the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), a total of 101 hectares of land has been dredged as of 13 April. These include 29 hectares of land at Site J, dredged by Capital Marine and Civil Construction Company Pvt Ltd (CMC), and 72 hectares out of a total of 378 hectares, dredged from at Sites L, G, F, and D, by Mohan Mutha Exports Pvt Ltd.
The 101 hectares of land currently reclaimed for Rasmale’ development from Fushidhiggaru already exceeds half the size of Hulhumale’ Phase One. Preparations to begin the project’s shore protection works are also underway, which will be implemented alongside the ongoing dredging operations.
To protect against climate change and erosion, the Rasmale’ lagoon is being dredged up to 2.5 meters above sea level. This is an additional 0.5 meters higher than Hulhumale’. Once completed, Rasmale’ is expected to accommodate a future population of over 240,000 people.
The government plans to develop Rasmale as an eco-city and allocate 11,000 plots and more than 26,000 flats. This is the largest housing project ever undertaken in the Maldives, Rasmale’ being three times the size of the present Hulhumale’ in terms of land area.
The project will provide a permanent solution to the housing problem in the city, according to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. In addition to housing, plans include zones for businesses, industrial uses and tourism.
