Posted on August 18, 2025
Members of the MDP parliamentary group visited RasMale today to inspect the progress of the ongoing dredging work.
During an interview with local media in RasMale, Mauroof Zakir, MDP MP for Kendhoo Constituency, said the current government had promised to provide housing through modern development projects.
Zakir explained that the MDP, the main opposition party, decided to visit RasMale after repeated attempts in Parliament to get updates on the project failed. Their goal was to see whether the government is delivering on its promises.
“People across the Maldives voted for President Muizzu with high hopes of getting housing here. I intend to live here myself once the project is done,” Zakir added.
He raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the project. According to him, only 100 hectares of land have been dredged so far, and they learned that some workers have not been paid their salaries or allowances.
MDP PG Leader and MP for Hithadhoo Constituency, Ibrahim Nazil, criticized the government for withholding details about the project’s financing and progress. He said that only about 20% of the dredging work has been completed.
RasMale’ reclamation
The government has promised to have RasMale populated before the end of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s five-year term. However, MDP MP for Vaikaradhoo, Hussain Ziyad (Fite), said progress needs to speed up for that to happen. He warned that without real momentum, the area won’t be ready within the government’s timeline.
“Our visit will hopefully push things forward,” said Ziyad. “Otherwise, work only seems to pick up close to elections or after public criticism.”
Meanwhile, government sources told the media that 129 hectares of land have been dredged so far, out of a total of 1,153 hectares planned. President Muizzu has pledged to allocate 11,000 land plots and build over 26,000 flats in RasMale’, aiming to house over 240,000 people. The area will also include space for businesses, industry, and tourism.
FUSHIDHIGGARU FALHU RECLAMATION EVENT / RASMALE
The RasMale’ development project began on December 18, 2023, as part of the government’s “Total Solution” housing policy. Originally planned to be completed in eight months, the project has been delayed for various reasons.
The dredging is being carried out by Sri Lanka’s Capital Marine and Civil Construction and India’s Mohan Mutha Exports, under the supervision of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
