Reclamation work for Hulhumale

President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has announced that the reclamation of land for Hulhumale’ second phase is scheduled to commence in one week’s time.

Speaking at a ceremony last night to hand over 1000 housing flats in Hulhumale’ built under the Veshifahi Male’ program, President Waheed said that all preparations to be begin reclamation work for the second phase has now been completed.

He said that the current land area in Hulhumale’ will be doubled when the reclamation for the second phase is complete. He said that he is pleased to announce that this will contribute to the development of the island as a part of the capital city, Male’.

Last night’s ceremony saw the handover of keys for the 1000 housing flats build under Veshifahi program, an initiative undertaken by the previous administration.

President Waheed thanked former President Mohamed Nasheed for initiating the Veshifahi program and said the continuation of the Hulhumale’ development project is a sign of the priority given by the current government to the development of the country. He also said that work on additional 11,000 flats is planned to begin in Hulhumale’ soon.

An area of 188 hectares was reclaimed during the first phase of the Hulhumale’ development project. An additional 230 hectares will be reclaimed during the second phase. Housing Development Corporation (HDC) estimates a total of $60 million (925.2 million) will be spent on reclamation for the second phase.

The Hulhumale’ development project was initiated by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Reclamation work all 188 hectares for the first phase, construction of 800 flats, harbour, roads and other basic infrastructure were completed by the time Nasheed’s administration took over in 2008.