President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government will acquire an additional 85 hectares of land from Gulhifalhu and 150 hectares from Uthuru Thilafalhu to help address the housing crisis in the Maldives.

In his presidential address, the President acknowledged that housing issues are most pressing in Male’ city, which is one of the most populous urban areas in the world. He emphasized that resolving the housing crisis in the capital is a key priority for his administration.

To tackle the housing shortage, the President outlined plans for several initiatives, including acquiring more land from Gulhifalhu and Uthuru Thilafalhu for new housing developments. A contractor has already been hired to begin constructing basic amenities and roads in Gulhifalhu.

Additionally, the government is working to acquire 150 hectares from Uthuru Thilafalhu this year and is finalizing plans to construct a bridge connecting Uthuru Thilafalhu to Giraavaru and Thilafushi by next year.

The reclamation of Giraavarugalhu land and the completion of Hulhumale’ Lagoon reclamation are also underway, with plans to finalize land registration for residents as soon as these projects are completed.

In response to the housing demand, 4,000 social housing units will be built in Gulhifalhu this year, with funding support from Indian concessional finance.

The President also highlighted efforts to address the housing shortage in the Male' area, with Rasmale’ land being reclaimed and plans to begin construction of roads and housing next year.