Union Raises Alarm Over UTF Land Use Plan Changes

The Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) Union has expressed concerns over the government’s recent announcement of a major agricultural project on Uthuru Thila Falhu, which appears to contradict earlier plans to allocate land plots to residents of Malé.

Under the previous administration, the Binveriya scheme was introduced, promising to issue land plots to those who had lived in Malé for over 20 years. More than 19,000 people applied under this scheme. The government at that time pledged to reclaim 251 hectares from Uthuru Thila Falhu, with 5,000 land plots to be distributed as part of a housing project.

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However, on 28 March, the current government signed an agreement with the Maldives Industrial Development Free Zone and China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd to establish an Agriculture Economic Zone (AEZ) on Uthuru Thila Falhu aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture.

In response, the UTF Union held a press conference where lawyer Ali Hussain criticised the government for pursuing the agricultural project instead of fulfilling the promise to issue land plots and flats. Hussain recalled President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s assurances during the election campaign that land plots allocated to individuals would not be revoked.

Hussain highlighted the government’s justification for the agricultural project, which includes improving food security, boosting economic growth, and reducing reliance on imported food. The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare plans to erect greenhouses on 100 hectares of the lagoon, with root vegetables cultivated on the remaining 100 hectares.

The union’s primary concern remains the pressing housing shortage. Hussain warned that thousands of people are still waiting in hope of receiving housing, and it is troubling that the government has prioritised agriculture over addressing this critical need. He emphasised that a permanent solution to the housing crisis can only be achieved through issuing land plots.

Following this, Hussain noted the government’s announcement to relocate the agriculture project to Fushidhiggaru, while proposing to establish Hope Island and a Central Jail on Uthuru Thila Falhu. He questioned the decision to sacrifice the hopes of over 19,000 families for the rehabilitation of around 300 children.

Hussain argued that Uthuru Thila Falhu is not the appropriate location for either the Central Jail or Hope Island. He added that rehabilitation should not involve isolating individuals on a separate island but rather integrating them within society.

The union continues to call for clarity and reconsideration of plans to ensure that the housing needs of Malé residents are not overlooked.