Opposition MPs inspect Rasmale land reclamation

Members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Parliamentary Group visited Fushidhiggaru Falhu on Sunday to inspect progress on the Rasmale land reclamation project.

The Rasmale project is intended as a long-term housing solution. During the visit, Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir said the project was approaching two years since commencement and that attempts to obtain information about its progress had been unsuccessful.

“We and the people of the Maldives voted for President Muizzu with the hope of securing homes and flats here. I also plan to live here,” Mauroof told reporters. He added that approximately 100 hectares had been dredged and expressed concern that workers involved were not being paid their salaries and allowances in full.

Hithadhoo South MP and MDP Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Nazil said the government had not been transparent in providing updates on development projects. “That’s why we came here,” he said.

The government plans to develop Rasmale as an eco-city, with provisions for 11,000 plots and more than 26,000 flats. Officials have said this would be the largest housing project in the Maldives, with an area three times the size of Hulhumale, including Hulhumale Phase 2.

In addition to housing, the government has announced that Rasmale will include designated areas for businesses, industry and tourism.