President Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government plans to issue a total of 25,000 land plots from Rasmale’, positioning the massive eco-city project as a long-term solution to the Maldives’ housing shortage.
The announcement was made during an event marking the administration’s second anniversary, where the President reiterated that housing remains one of the government’s top priorities.
Major Housing Pledge Reaffirmed
During his remarks, the President stressed that the administration is committed to ensuring housing for every Maldivian aged 18 and above who does not currently own a home.
He reassured the public that multiple projects are being rolled out to fulfill this pledge within the government’s three-year housing roadmap.
According to Muizzu:
Housing is the administration’s key policy promise
New schemes will prioritize those most in need
Additional opportunities will be created for others later
The President urged citizens not to worry, emphasizing that the government intends to expand housing access nationwide.
Breakdown of the Rasmale’ Housing Plan
Officials revealed that the Rasmale’ development will include both land plots and apartment units.
Key figures announced:
25,000 total land plots planned in Rasmale’
Initial phase to issue 15,000 plots
7,500 flats also planned for the Male’ region
The President explained that Rasmale’ will not be just a housing zone but a modern eco-city designed to support sustainable urban growth.
Land Reclamation Progress and Timeline
To support the housing rollout, the government is moving ahead with large-scale land reclamation.
The President stated:
Large dredgers are expected to arrive in December
Land reclamation is targeted for completion by March or April
Plot allocation will proceed once reclamation is finished
He indicated that by the time applications are processed and recipients selected, the necessary land should already be prepared.
This sequencing is meant to avoid delays that affected previous housing initiatives.
Scale of the Rasmale’ Project
The Rasmale’ development is one of the largest urban expansion efforts in Maldivian history.
According to official figures:
1,153 hectares will be reclaimed from Fushidhiggarufalhu
The area will be three times larger than Hulhumale’ Phases 1 and 2 combined
The broader manifesto target includes 65,000 housing units from the area
As of the latest update, about 182.85 hectares had already been reclaimed.
Focus on Fair Eligibility Criteria
The President noted that eligibility rules for the upcoming January housing scheme are being designed to prioritize citizens who are most in need.
However, he emphasized that those who do not qualify initially should not lose hope, as additional housing programs will follow.
This approach aims to:
Reduce public frustration
Ensure equitable distribution
Phase housing delivery more effectively
Avoiding Past Housing Mistakes
In his remarks, Muizzu also referenced issues faced in earlier housing programs.
He stated that the current administration will not allocate land from unreclaimed areas, signaling a shift toward ensuring physical readiness before plot handovers.
This policy change is intended to improve public confidence and prevent delays experienced in previous schemes.
Why Rasmale’ Matters
The Greater Male’ area continues to face intense population pressure, rising rents, and limited land availability. The Rasmale’ project is expected to:
Expand residential land supply
Reduce congestion in the capital
Support long-term urban planning
Create new economic zones
If completed on schedule, the project could significantly reshape housing availability in the Maldives.
Outlook
With plans to issue 25,000 land plots and thousands of flats, the government is placing Rasmale’ at the center of its housing strategy. The success of the initiative will depend on timely land reclamation, transparent allocation, and sustained infrastructure development.
For many Maldivians waiting for housing opportunities, the coming months will be crucial as the January
