Govt shifts 1 Vilimalé housing tower after protests
Environmental groups and residents have raised concerns over the use of one of Vilimalé’s remaining green areas for the project.
The government has decided to relocate one of three residential towers planned for the Funavau area of Vilimalé following public objections to the project.
The housing development, awarded last January to Rasheed Carpentry and Construction, involves the construction of three 17-storey towers.
Environmental groups and residents have raised concerns over the use of one of Vilimalé’s remaining green areas for the project. Objections have also been raised to a separate plan to build a 100-bed hospital in an area containing more than 50 trees.
Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Abdulla Muththalib announced that one tower would be moved to another site.
In a social media post, the Minister said the government recognises the shortage of parks and open space in the Greater Malé region, while also noting the demand for housing.
He said efforts had been made to proceed with the 300-flat project without removing large Funagas trees. However, one tower at its original location would have required tree removal and branch cutting, leading to the decision to shift that building.
Despite the change, campaigners have continued to call for the cancellation of the full project.
Speaking to Dhauru, activist Ahmed Mohamed said the remaining two towers would still affect the surrounding environment and that moving one tower does not address all concerns.
