Pres: Eagle Hills project will not affect housing opportunities for Maldivians

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on Wednesday night, states that the partnership with UAE-based Eagle Hills for the Rasmalé project would not reduce housing opportunities for Maldivians, assuring that sufficient land is available to accommodate all eligible applicants.

Speaking on the “Nation Chat” programme, the President said the Eagle Hills development in Rasmalé would not limit public access to housing.

“We have established various categories for those seeking land, including Malé residents, those on the 'Dhafthar', and long-term residents of the city. I guarantee that everyone who meets the eligibility criteria across these categories will be secured a plot of land from this area. There is ample space available,” the President remarked.

President Muizzu also suggested that opposition efforts to obstruct the project stemmed from the realization that his administration was fulfilling its housing pledges.

His remarks come amid public concerns over reports that more than 500 hectares of reclaimed land in Rasmalé are being leased to Eagle Hills for 99 years without rent. Some have also expressed concerns about the possibility of Israeli nationals settling in the area.

However, the government has previously clarified that measures would be introduced to prevent Israeli nationals from purchasing property in Rasmalé.

During last night’s programme, the President stressed that Rasmalé would adhere to Islamic principles, stating that alcohol and casinos would be prohibited and mosques established to facilitate the daily calls to prayer. He added that during Ramadan, dining services for tourists would operate discreetly, in line with regulations followed in inhabited islands.

While the President assured that sufficient land would be available for all eligible applicants, the government’s current housing scheme has received a total of 58,505 applications, including 35,930 applications for flats and 22,575 for land plots.

Housing Ministry has announced that the evaluation of applications is underway, with the final list scheduled to be published in December.

Under the ‘Housing for All’ scheme, the government plans to allocate 7,900 flats and 15,000 land plots, each measuring 1,250 square feet.

President Muizzu had previously announced that the selection of flat recipients from the current pool of applicants would be finalized and communicated within this year.