Land reclamation has long been a cornerstone of government projects in the Maldives, touted by successive administrations as a solution to housing crises, economic stagnation, and rural depopulation. Yet, beneath the rhetoric of progress lies a more troubling reality: vast swathes of reclaimed land, stretching across rural and urban areas alike, remain unused and barren, a testament to the disconnect between political promises and practical outcomes.
A Legacy of Land Reclamation Without Planning
The roots of this issue trace back to the tenure of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who initiated land reclamation projects in rural areas as part of a broader strategy to expand habitable and economically viable land in the low-lying island nation. Since then, the reclamation of land has become a hallmark of subsequent governments, with each administration pledging to continue these projects, often using them as campaign promises to secure political support.
However, despite the millions invested and the numerous campaigns centred around these projects, the actual benefits to both the government and the people have been debated. The majority of reclaimed land remains undeveloped, lacking the basic infrastructure needed to make it habitable or economically productive. For instance, the city of Hulhumale stands out as one of the few examples where reclaimed land has been successfully utilised for an economically profitable project. But such examples are the exception rather than the rule.
The Problem of Unused Reclaimed Land
The problem is that these land reclamation projects are often executed without a comprehensive plan. This lack of planning has left much of the reclaimed land as nothing more than expanses of dry, uninhabitable desert. In many cases, the land has been abandoned, with heavy vehicles and other equipment left to decay, or repurposed for projects that lack adequate infrastructure to support them. This not only represents a significant waste of resources but also reflects a broader issue of mismanagement within the government’s land reclamation policy.
Impact on Communities and Migration
The implications of this mismanagement are far-reaching. The exodus of people from rural areas to urban centres like the Greater Malé area is a direct consequence of the government’s failure to develop rural land effectively. Islands are becoming deserted. Without the necessary infrastructure, these reclaimed lands offer little incentive for residents to stay, further exacerbating the rural-urban divide.
Corruption and Mismanagement in Land Reclamation
Additionally, there is a growing concern about corruption and financial mismanagement associated with these projects. Many have pointed out that land reclamation has become a vehicle for financial gain for a select few, rather than a means to benefit the broader population. The sale of reclaimed land at high prices to certain groups, while others receive land for free, has fuelled accusations of corruption and betrayal of public trust.
The Need for Comprehensive Reform
To address these issues, it is clear that the government’s approach to land reclamation must undergo significant reform. The first step in mitigating the ongoing waste of resources is to ensure that a comprehensive land use plan is developed before any reclamation project begins. This plan should outline the specific purposes for the reclaimed land, including the necessary infrastructure to support its intended use. By incorporating provisions for water, electricity, sewerage, and road construction within the initial project budget, the government can avoid the pitfalls of past projects where land was left undeveloped and unusable.
Ensuring Transparency and Accountability
Furthermore, greater transparency and accountability in the execution of these projects are essential. The government must establish clear guidelines for the allocation and sale of reclaimed land, ensuring that the process is fair and free from corruption. Independent oversight and audits of land reclamation projects could help prevent the misuse of public funds and ensure that the benefits of these projects are distributed equitably.
A Shift in Political Culture
There needs to be a shift in the political culture surrounding land reclamation. Rather than using these projects as tools for political gain, the focus should be on the long-term development of the nation. This means prioritising projects that are truly necessary and that have a clear plan for sustainable development. By moving away from politically motivated land reclamation and towards a more strategic and needs-based approach, the Maldives can ensure that its land resources are used effectively and that its citizens benefit from the investments made in their future.
While land reclamation has the potential to significantly contribute to the Maldives’ development, its current execution has been marred by poor planning, mismanagement, and corruption. To reverse this trend and realise the full benefits of these projects, comprehensive reforms are needed. Only then can the reclaimed lands truly serve the people and the nation, rather than remaining as empty promises on the political landscape.
