Government Plans to Allow Commercial Use of Residential Plots in Hulhumalé Phase II

The government plans to expand access to essential services in Hulhumalé Phase II by allowing privately allocated residential plots to be used for commercial and service-related developments, Housing Minister Dr Abdulla Muthalib has announced.

Speaking at a ceremony on Sunday marking the completion of a project to install additional lifts in the Hiyaa towers, Muthalib said the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) does not have enough land under its control to accommodate all the services required by the city’s growing population.

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He said more than 2,000 plots had already been allocated to residents in the second and third phases of Hulhumalé, making it necessary to explore new ways of meeting community needs.

According to the minister, the government believes that not all public services should rely on land controlled by HDC. Instead, privately owned plots should also be utilised to support the development of essential facilities.

Muthalib said land allocated to residents is currently restricted to residential use, but the government intends to introduce opportunities for these plots to be used for commercial purposes as well.

He said the proposed changes would allow private investment in facilities such as pre-schools, clinics, shopping complexes and other businesses on privately owned land in Hulhumalé Phase II.

The minister added that expanding the permitted use of residential plots would help create businesses and employment opportunities, stimulate economic activity and improve access to essential services for residents.

He said the government would work to provide residents with greater opportunities to make productive and economically beneficial use of their land.