China will support construction of 30,000 housing units in Rasmale’

The Maldivian administration plans on building 30,000 social housing units in Rasmale’ with support from China.

In an interview to state broadcaster PSM on Thursday, Housing Minister Dr. Ali Haidar said the construction of the 30,000 units will be carried out simultaneously.

On Wednesday, Maldives and China signed 20 agreements, including a MoU on the Rasmale’ project – an ambitious project that that aims to solve the housing crisis in the Maldivian capital.

Haidar said that the agreements between Maldives and China don’t just cover the construction of housing in Rasmale’, but also the establishment of essential facilities including water, sanitation, and construction of roads.

The Rasmale’ project – launched on December 18 – will see the reclamation of 1,093 hectors of land from the Fushi Dhiggaru Falhu.

The project is contracted to Sri Lanka’s Capital Marine and Civil Construction Company (CMC).

The reclamation works is expected to cost minimum USD 500 million.

However, the cost will be borne by CMC, which will receive 70 hectors of land for long-term lease in exchange for running the reclamation project.

This includes 10 hectors from Hulhumale’ for 49 years and 60 hectors from Rasmale’ for 50 years.