Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is developing a modern market with 71 stalls and a food court in Hulhumale’.
The project – which has been contracted to Indian Company Mohan Mutha Exports (MM Exports) – is set to be completed by July this year. The market will have 63 stalls to sell Maldivian produce and 8 cafés.
“The market is an important place for Hulhumale’ residents. The stalls will be sell Maldivian produce and also have cafés,” an MM Export Official said.
HDC stated that the construction work for the food court in the market has been completed, and that the roofing will be done next month. The market is being built in the area south of the Hulhumale’ ferry terminal.
At present, Hulhumale’ has a market near the main bus stop for fish and Maldivian produce sale.
Hulhumale’ is the fast growing suburban annex of capital Male’ and the first of areas developed strategically. The initial reclamation of Hulhumalé Phase I consisting of 188 hectares was completed in 2002. With an aim to relieve the congestion and housing crisis in Malé, the city of Hulhumalé has been planned intelligently to accommodate the growing population with a design incorporating a mix of urban and island life for its residents and visitors.
In 2004, Hulhumalé celebrated its first settlement with a resident population of just over 1000. As of 2016, this population had increased, recording numbers over 40, 000. Reclamation of Hulhumalé Phase II consisting of an additional 244 hectares took 77 days, which was completed in early 2015.
As the biggest project focused on population consolidation within the country, Hulhumalé is anticipated to be able to accommodate two thirds of the total population of Maldives with a target population of 240 000.
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