Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the contractor for the Hulhumalé land reclamation project, has announced that 31 hectares of land have been reclaimed under the Hulhumalé Phase Three project to date, with full completion anticipated within the next six weeks.

The reclamation work for Hulhumalé Phase Three resumed on the 10th of last month, following a period of suspension. The project had previously stalled because the contracted company, Sri Lanka's Capital Marine and Civil Construction Company (CMCC), halted its operations.

MACL stated yesterday that the reclamation work for Phase Three is expected to be fully completed within the next month and a half. Out of a total of 63 hectares, 31 hectares have now been reclaimed, representing 49.2 percent of the project.

To accelerate the reclamation of Hulhumalé Phase Three, an additional dredge was brought in, and since the 28th of last month, the work has been progressing using two dredges. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had previously stated that the reclamation of Phase Three would be entirely completed by the end of this month.

During a meeting with Henveiru residents held at Kalaafaanu School on the 8th of this month, the President announced that upon completion of Hulhumalé Phase Three this month, these dredges would be relocated for the reclamation of Giraavaru lagoon. He also noted that the Giraavaru project would be completed within three months. The President further added that plots from Hulhumalé Phase Three are expected to begin handover next month.

In addition to bringing an extra dredge for Hulhumalé Phase Three, a dredge has also been brought in for the reclamation of Rasmalé. This dredge, "Cristóbal Colón" by Jan De Nul, is one of the world's two largest Trailer Suction Hopper Dredgers. Reclamation work for Rasmalé commenced on the first of this month.

According to President Muizzu, the reclamation work for Rasmalé is also expected to be fully completed by March or April of next year.

Rasmalé, which will host the largest number of housing projects under the current administration, is being developed with a plan to provide 25,000 land plots. Out of the first 15,000 plots to be issued, 10,000 will be allocated to residents of Malé. Furthermore, it has been decided to reserve 3,000 plots for individuals from other islands who have resided in Malé for more than 15 years. Applications for these plots are scheduled to open next month.