Large-scale land reclamation for Hulhumale’ Phase 3 is progressing on schedule and is expected to be completed by 20 January 2026, the government has announced.
The update was shared by the Minister of Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib, during a press conference outlining the Ministry’s ongoing infrastructure and housing projects.
According to the Minister, 47 hectares have already been dredged out of the total 63 hectares planned for reclamation. To speed up the final stage of works, two large dredgers have been deployed, including Boskalis’ trailing suction hopper dredger, which began operations on 28 November. Once dredging is completed, the process of handing over land registries is scheduled to begin in January.
Minister Muththalib said the government’s housing approach prioritises three-room units to provide families with a more comfortable living environment, rather than smaller one or two-room apartments. He added that all state housing projects are planned with public convenience in mind.
Providing an update on the larger Rasmale’ reclamation project, the Minister confirmed it remains on track for completion by April 2026. More than 215 hectares have so far been dredged out of the planned 1,100 hectares, with three dredgers currently operating at different locations. Development will proceed in line with the Rasmale’ Master Plan, which envisions an eco-city with full municipal infrastructure. Memorandums of Understanding for key water and sewerage systems have already been signed, he said.
The Minister also reported progress under the ‘Gedhoruveriyaa’ social housing scheme, noting that 399 recipients have already received the keys to their apartments. With 3,879 agreements signed, he pledged that all remaining keys will be handed over before the end of January 2026. He acknowledged earlier delays, attributing them to water and electricity works that were not included in the original contracts, but said overall project completion increased from 33 percent to 68 percent within the current government’s two-year term.
Revised and more affordable payment terms for the flats were also announced. The down payment for a three-bedroom unit has been set at approximately MVR 8,500, with a monthly rent of around MVR 10,000. Two-bedroom units will have a down payment of about MVR 6,000 and a revised monthly rent of roughly MVR 7,000. Recipients will also receive a three-month rent-free period after collecting their keys, although maintenance fees will still apply during this time.
