Gov’t Declares Completion of Gulhi Falhu Land Reclamation

The government has announced the completion of the reclamation of 150 hectares of land under the Gulhi Falhu project.

Initiated during the tenure of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration, the project aimed to allocate land plots to residents of Male’, addressing the pressing need for residential spaces in the capital. 

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Entrusted to Netherlands-based company Boskalis, the endeavour encountered delays, with only a fraction of the land being reclaimed by the end of the previous administration’s term. Consequently, land allocations were limited to the portion that had undergone reclamation at that juncture.

The Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure affirmed the completion of dredging and reclamation activities, signalling the fulfilment of a crucial phase in the project’s execution. 

Minister Abdulla Muththalib communicated through social media platform X that ongoing efforts are focused on shore protection measures, underscoring the meticulous approach adopted towards safeguarding the reclaimed land.

In 2019, an agreement was formalised with Boskalis for the reclamation of 65 hectares of land at an estimated cost of MVR 2 billion. However, subsequent to this agreement, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu expanded the scope of the project, incorporating an additional 85 hectares, thereby augmenting the total area earmarked for reclamation to 150 hectares. The successful completion of reclamation efforts encompasses the entire designated expanse.

Supreme Court Issues Interim Order on Gulhifalhu Dredging Pause 

The project encountered legal impediments along its trajectory, with a temporary halt imposed last February by the High Court in response to environmental concerns raised by environmental activist Humaida Abdul Ghafoor. However, the State contested this order at the Supreme Court, which subsequently issued a stay of implementation pending a final verdict on the matter.

In parallel, governmental adjustments to land use plans for both Gulhi Falhu and Giravaru Falhu have been instituted. Notably, modifications to the land use plan for Giravaru Falhu have resulted in a reduction in the number of available land plots, prompting the redirection of 1347 recipients towards allocations from Gulhi Falhu instead.