Gov’t Plans to Allow Essential Services on Private Plots in Hulhumalé Phase II

The government is considering changes to land use in Hulhumalé Phase II that would allow essential services to be established on plots already allocated to private owners, a move aimed at addressing service gaps and land constraints in the expanding urban area.

Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr Abdulla Muththalib said the policy would seek to create room for private sector investment in services needed by residents, including facilities that currently depend on land being separately allocated by the Housing Development Corporation.

The minister made the remarks during the inauguration of the project to install additional lifts in the Hiyaa towers.

According to Dr Muththalib, more than 2,000 plots have been allocated to Malé residents in Hulhumalé Phases II and III. These plots are currently designated only for residential use. He said there was a need to consider how such land could be used more effectively to support the growing population in Hulhumalé.

He noted that privately owned land in Malé already accommodates various services and said residents of Hulhumalé should have access to similar arrangements. Allowing essential services on privately allocated plots, he said, would benefit plot owners while also supporting economic activity, employment and business development in Hulhumalé.

“At present, if someone wishes to build a private hospital, they can only do so if HDC allocates land specifically for that purpose. Instead, opportunities should be created for such services to be established on the more than 2,000 plots already allocated to the public. The government will work to ensure these plots can be used appropriately to provide residents with greater convenience, accessibility and a wider range of services,” the minister said.

Dr Muththalib said the government would work with the private sector to prepare plans for implementing the policy. He said the objective was to make better use of existing plots while easing the shortage of essential services faced by residents.

The minister also addressed concerns linked to the Hiyaa housing scheme, noting that many families living in two-bedroom flats have grown in size since moving in. He said residents currently have limited options to relocate to larger homes.

While no specific measures were announced, Dr Muththalib said the government recognises the difficulties faced by Hiyaa residents and is considering possible solutions.

He said future housing policies would focus on improving living conditions for those already living in government flats, while creating pathways for residents to move into larger and better-quality homes.