Villimalé Housing Tower Relocated to Protect Indigenous Funa Trees

The Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development has relocated one of the three planned 17-storey residential towers in Villimalé to protect indigenous Funa trees in the area.

The ministry decided to shift the tower to a site near the State Electric Company facility after determining that the original design could result in the destruction of the native trees. Officials stated that the remaining two towers will be constructed as planned opposite Muhyiddin School.

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The ministry said the decision reflects the government’s commitment to proceeding with the 300-unit housing project without removing the large trees indigenous to the island.

The development is considered a key project aimed at addressing housing needs in Villimalé amid the island’s growing population. The project is being developed on rent-free land and is scheduled for completion by mid-2028.

The initial foundation for the project was laid by the Bank of Maldives in February this year, while construction works were awarded to Rasheed Carpentry and Construction Private Limited.

The Villimalé housing project forms part of a wider national initiative to address housing shortages across the Maldives. Under the Maldives Monetary Authority’s Inclusive National Affordable Housing framework, the Bank of Maldives subsidiary, BML Affordable Home Leasing Company, is overseeing the development of 3,260 housing units nationwide.

In addition to the Villimalé project, the programme also includes the construction of 2,700 housing units across Phase I and Phase II of Hulhumalé.