Govt plans new office for housing ministry after fire
The previous building was destroyed on 12 December 2024. Since then, the ministry has been operating from Dharubaaruge.
Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development Abdulla Muththalib has stated that work is underway to construct a new office building for the ministry following the loss of its headquarters in a fire.
The previous building was destroyed on 12 December 2024. Since then, the ministry has been operating from Dharubaaruge.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the Minister said a land plot of 30,000 square feet has been allocated for the project by President Mohamed Muizzu.
He said the project is currently at the financing stage, with discussions ongoing with a potential financier. An agreement is expected to be reached in due course.
“As the Minister, the lack of a permanent office is a concern. We have been operating from a temporary location for nearly a year,” he said.
The Minister noted that the integration of the Public Works department into the ministry has increased space requirements.
He said the ministry now employs more than 600 staff and that efforts are also underway to establish a separate office for the Public Works department.
In addition, the Minister outlined measures to address office space requirements across government institutions.
These include plans for a 14-storey office building in Hulhumalé, with agreements pending finalisation of financing arrangements.
He also referred to proposals to renovate Dharubaaruge and Billoorijehige in Malé for use as government offices, as well as plans to proceed with the construction of a Superior Court Complex.
“We are working to address office space requirements across state institutions while advancing the construction of a dedicated building for the Housing Ministry,” he said.
