Tower Relocated in Villimalé Housing Project Following Public Concern

The government has decided to relocate one of the planned housing towers in Villimalé following public concern over the removal of trees in the Funavaa area.

Housing Minister Dr Abdulla Mutthalib announced the decision after criticism over plans to cut down mature Funa trees to make way for housing units.

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The project falls under the BML Affordable Home Leasing Scheme, which aims to deliver more than 3,000 housing units across Malé, Villimalé and Hulhumalé. Work had recently begun in Villimalé to clear land in front of Muhyiddin School, including the removal of large Alexandrian Laurel trees.

Public concern escalated over the environmental impact of the project, leading to a constitutional case being filed at the Supreme Court of the Maldives seeking to halt the development.

In a statement shared on X, the minister acknowledged the limited availability of parks and open spaces in the Malé area, while noting that addressing housing shortages remains a key priority due to land constraints.

He stated that the government had aimed to proceed with the Villimalé project without removing the large Funa trees, and had therefore decided to relocate one of the three planned towers to another site. The adjustment is expected to reduce the need to remove trees and minimise environmental impact.

Environmental groups and construction industry associations had also raised concerns over the project, citing potential environmental damage and planning challenges.

The housing initiative remains ongoing as authorities seek to balance development needs with environmental considerations.