Gov’t Announces Land Reclamation for Rehabilitation and Prison Development
Photo: MV+
The government has announced plans to reclaim 45 hectares of land from Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) to build a rehabilitation centre and a central prison complex.
The government revealed a set of projects to be implemented under its economic policies for the benefit of the state, as outlined in the Tourism Act. Among these are 25 key projects, with details of the necessary funding for each initiative.
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A minimum of USD 55 million (MVR 848 million) is required to fund four major projects on UTF, also known as Giraavaru Uthuru Falhu. These projects include:
- Reclamation of 15 hectares of land for Hope Island under the rehabilitation programme: USD 10 million (MVR 154 million)
- Development of Hope Island: USD 15 million (MVR 231 million)
- Reclamation of 30 hectares of land for the Central Prison Complex: USD 15 million (MVR 231 million)
- Development of the Central Prison Complex: USD 15 million (MVR 231 million)
Hope Island is intended to serve as a rehabilitation and correctional facility for juvenile offenders or those at risk of engaging in criminal activities.
Previously, the government had planned a major agricultural project on land reclaimed from UTF. However, late last year, the project was relocated to Rasmale’.
The development of airports on thirteen islands is also included in the government’s plans, with a minimum funding requirement of USD 5 million (MVR 77 million) for this initiative.
Additionally, the reclamation of land at Rasmale’ and Gulhi Falhu, alongside a social housing project, will require a minimum of USD 5 million (MVR 77 million).
A separate project aimed at protecting the Maldives’ sovereignty and independence has been allocated a minimum funding of USD 15 million (MVR 231 million), though further details about this project remain undisclosed.
The highest funding requirement among these initiatives is for a High Performance Centre, which is expected to cost a minimum of USD 20 million (MVR 308 million). The location of the High Performance Centre has not yet been specified.
