Aslam: Land reclamation in Hulhumale' will begin after an EIA

Planning Minister Mohamed Aslam, on Tuesday, said that the area that was originally planned to be developed as cruise terminal under the masterplan, but later changed to develop housing units, will only be reclaimed after conducting an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA).

Urbanco is undertaking the related administrative works following the government's decision to reclaim land from Hulhumale' lagoon, starting from Farukolhufushi up till the first phase. 

Minister Aslam, answering a query by Maavah MP Mohamed Saeed at Tuesday's parliamentary sitting on the reclamation, said that the land reclamation will be carried out in accordance with the stipulated laws and regulations.

“The project will be carried out in adherence to all laws and regulations,” Minister said.

 A senior government official told Sun of the reclamation claims earlier this month. 

The housing projects include building flats and the sale of plots of land.

As per the master plan for Hulhumale', the area was meant to be a cruise terminal. The decision by the government to use the land for housing came abruptly.

Many housing projects are currently underway in both Hulhumale Phase one and two as well. The government also has made the decision to distribute plots of land to the people of Male’.

Hulhumale', home to thousands of people is a suburban district, was reclaimed during former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s administration. The second phase of Hulhumale was reclaimed during former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration.