Gulhifalhu

Piling Work Completed on $500M Thilamalé Bridge Project

Construction Minister Abdulla Muthalib announced completion of piling work on the Thilamalé Bridge project, with all 263 piles installed at 68 land and sea locations, reaching 60.84% overall construction. The 6.7 km bridge, connecting Malé to Villimalé, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi, is built by India's Fcons under a $500 million project funded by a $400 million line of credit from Exim Bank of India and a $100 million grant from the Indian government.

Gulhifalhu Infrastructure Transformation Set in Motion: Maldives and China Sign Landmark Agreement

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu attended the signing ceremony for a major infrastructure development project in K. Gulhifalhu. The project, a result of an agreement between the Maldives and China made during Muizzu's inaugural visit to China, aims to modernize the island with electricity, water and sewerage systems, dewatering, road upgrades, GPON duct system, and gas storage. The agreement was signed by Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib for the Maldives and Qian Haojun, Regional General Manager of China Machinery Engineering Corporation, for China. Minister Muththalib stated the project will help alleviate congestion in the Greater Malé area, reflecting the government's commitment to nationwide development.

Passports of 20 Individuals Seized in ‘Binveriya’ Land Fraud Probe

Authorities seized passports of 20 individuals, including HDC Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed, his brother Mohamed Fazeel Rasheed, and other suspended officials, in the Binveriya land fraud probe. The PCB suspended all HDC board members except Chairman Ahmed Naasif. The Housing Ministry suspended 10 political appointees, and HDC suspended five senior employees. Land worth MVR 450 million was allegedly allocated to 50 ineligible individuals. No criminal charges have been filed. Public protests erupted, and a fire destroyed documents in three ministries. MDP called for Fazul's dismissal.

Gulhifalhu Citizens’ Association Accuses Government of Attempting to Seize Land Plots

The Gulhifalhu Citizens' Association, representing beneficiaries of the Binveriya housing scheme, accused the Muizzu administration of attempting to seize their land plots. The scheme, initiated under former President Solih, issued deeds but plots are not yet handed over due to reclamation. MP Mohamed Abbas (MDA) called for revoking plots, arguing no legal basis. PNC members also advocated cancellation, with MP Ibrahim Falah alleging corruption by Solih in distributing 9,003 plots. The association warned of possible protests.

Shore Protection Work Begins at Gulhifalhu

Construction of a rock boulder revetment for shore protection at Gulhifalhu has begun. The MVR 2 billion project by Royal Boskalis and Van Oord aims to reclaim 235 hectares, including 150 hectares contracted by the previous administration and 85 hectares by the current one. Of 18 million cubic metres of sand planned, 16.9 million have been banked. Completion is expected by August 2024. The project was launched on 2 July 2023 by the Ibrahim Mohamed Solih administration, which planned to provide 2,218 plots for social housing and relocate the Malé Commercial Harbour project. However, President Mohamed Muizzu moved the port project to Thilafushi, freeing over 3,000 plots at Gulhifalhu. Reclamation first began in 2010 under Mohamed Nasheed, was scrapped under Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, and revived under Solih.

Minister Muththalib’s Remarks on Gulhifalhu Agreement Elicit Criticism, Ignite Calls for Corruption Probe

Supreme Court Overrules High Court Decision on Pausing Dredging at Gulhifalhu

High Court Orders Suspension of Dredging at Gulhifalhu

Malé Commercial Port Project Shifts From Gulhifalhu to Thilafushi

President Mohamed Muizzu announced the relocation of the Malé Commercial Port from Gulhifalhu to Thilafushi, citing that Gulhifalhu is not optimal for development. A world-class port will be built at Thilafushi, complementing airport development to diversify the economy. The project, costing US$400 million (MVR 6.1 billion), will have capacity for 400,000 twenty-foot containers and is scheduled for completion in 2026. India's Exim Bank is providing a Line of Credit covering 75% of the cost, with a tender expected soon.

RTL Travel Platform Streamlines Services, Launches Contactless Payments

Hulhumalé, Gulhifalhu and Giraavaru Land Use Plans Unveiled

Allocation of Land Plots Under “Binveriya” Housing Scheme Commences