Vilimalé residents don't oppose Funavalu flats, says councillor Samah

A debate over the proposed housing development in Vilimalé's Funavalu area took centre stage at a meeting of the Malé City Council on Wednesday, with Vilimalé councillor Ibrahim Samah stating that residents of the island do not oppose the project.

The discussion followed concerns raised by environmental groups and activists over plans to clear trees in the area to make way for a housing project.

During the meeting, Maafannu North councillor Hussain Furushan proposed that the council write to the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development seeking consultations on how the project could proceed while minimising environmental impact.

Speaking during the debate, Samah criticised groups opposing the project and said he had not received complaints from residents of Vilimalé regarding either the housing development or the removal of trees.

“I am the elected councillor for Vilimalé, yet I have not received a single complaint from residents of Vilimalé about the flats or the trees,” Samah said.

He argued that opposition to the project was being led by non-governmental organisations rather than island residents and called on the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts to monitor the activities of such organisations.

Samah said development projects should not be halted because of protests by a small number of activists.

He also claimed that those opposing the project did not represent the views of the island's residents.

Hulhumalé Central councillor Ahmed Saneeh Haneef supported Samah's remarks, stating that the organisations involved had no direct connection to Vilimalé.

Saneeh proposed raising concerns about the NGOs with the Youth Ministry. However, Deputy Mayor Mikael Mohamed Riza noted that the matter was not included on the meeting agenda and advised that it be submitted separately. No decision was taken on the proposal.

The council, however, approved Furushan's motion to write to the Housing Ministry seeking discussions on ensuring that the project proceeds while addressing environmental concerns.

Responding to criticism directed at environmental groups, Furushan said the objective was not to stop the housing development.

“The purpose is to ensure that the project moves forward without unnecessarily destroying trees,” he said.

Furushan also rejected claims that only Vilimalé residents have an interest in the area, arguing that green spaces in the Greater Malé region are of concern to all residents.

Maafannu South councillor Ibrahim Laban Shareef said he had previously met with protesters to discuss their concerns but was informed that they did not wish to engage with the council.

He added that tree clearance for development projects is not unprecedented and that development needs must also be considered. His view was supported by Hulhumalé South councillor Ahmed Ghalib and Henveiru West councillor Fathimath Sahula.

The government has awarded a contract to Rasheed Carpentry and Construction (RCC) to build three 17-storey residential towers in the Funavalu area. The agreement was signed in January.

Environmental groups opposing the project have called for the housing development to be relocated. They argue that Funavalu contains one of the last remaining natural woodland areas in the Greater Malé region and includes protected trees. They have also questioned whether the project complies with environmental regulations and conservation requirements.