Integrated Urban Zones to be Developed in North and South Maldives

The government has announced plans to establish two “Integrated Urban Zones” in the northern and southern regions of the Maldives, in addition to the seven urban centres announced earlier yesterday.

In a post on X, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu clarified that the seven urban centres announced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development are separate from the two zones, which will encompass the northern and southern atolls.

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According to a statement from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the northern zone will include the four atolls of Haa Alif, Haa Dhaal, Shaviyani, and Noonu, while the southern zone will comprise Gaaf Alif, Gaaf Dhaal, Fuvahmulah, and Addu.

The Ministry’s announcement follows concerns regarding the exclusion of northern and southern atolls from the initial urban centre development plans. The Ministry has since clarified that these two zones will feature their own urban centres, distinct from the seven centres previously announced, which are located outside the zones.

President Muizzu highlighted that details of the urban development projects would be shaped under the country’s ongoing 20-year Development Master Plan. He assured that consultations with Maldivians across all islands, as well as input from councils, technical experts, and other relevant stakeholders, would guide the planning process.

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail voiced criticism, stating that the government introduced the urban centre plans without sufficient public consultation.

Establishing urban centres, urban regions, and metropolitan areas is part of the recently ratified Urban Development Act, signed by President Muizzu last month.