President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has described the completion of the K. Gulhi Land Reclamation Project as a “foundation for further development” on the island, pledging swift progress on housing and infrastructure as part of his administration’s wider push for equitable growth across the Maldives.
Speaking at a ceremony held on the newly reclaimed land, Muizzu praised the efforts behind the project, which added 10.15 hectares to Gulhi and included coastal protection measures such as a 940-metre revetment, a 362-metre geo bag revetment, and an 88-metre groyne. The work, carried out by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), took 630 days to complete.
The President said the government is now formulating a Land Use Plan to ensure “the most effective and beneficial allocation of land” based on community needs. He reaffirmed commitments to housing development and other key sectors, positioning Gulhi as a priority in his administration’s island development agenda.
In a move signalling further investment, an agreement was signed between the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure and MTCC for the development of Gulhi Harbour. The project, scheduled for completion within 530 days, will involve deepening the harbour, repairing existing structures, and building a new concrete jetty.
Addressing concerns over land earmarked for tourism, Muizzu promised a solution “in accordance with the wishes of residents, within legal frameworks, and without imposing any burden on the state.”
The ceremony also saw Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib, present a commemorative plaque to the Gulhi Island Council.
For Muizzu, the reclamation project is more than a technical achievement; it is a political statement. Land scarcity has long been a challenge for small islands in the Maldives, and reclamation projects have become a cornerstone of development policy — though not without controversy over environmental impact and tourism priorities.
As the government accelerates infrastructure projects across the archipelago, Gulhi’s transformation will be closely watched as a test case for balancing economic growth, housing needs, and community aspirations.
