HDC to Deploy Three New Dredgers to Accelerate Malé Region Housing Projects

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has announced that three additional dredgers will be brought in this October to fast-track ongoing land reclamation works in the Malé region, amid growing concerns over project delays.

According to a statement issued on Friday, the new machinery will be deployed to Hulhumalé Phase 3, Gulhifalhu, Giraavaru Falhu, and Uthuru Thila Falhu. The fleet will include two hopper dredgers with a capacity of 45,000 tonnes each and one hopper dredger with a capacity of 11,000 tonnes.

The government has prioritized large-scale reclamation projects in the Greater Malé area to address the capital’s acute housing shortage. These include both initiatives launched under the previous administration and new projects introduced by the current government. However, several projects have faced delays, with residents and stakeholders voicing frustration over interruptions in work and unmet deadlines.

HDC said the decision to deploy additional dredgers reflects its efforts to accelerate progress and ensure continuity in the reclamation process. The corporation also noted that it is working with relevant authorities to identify challenges and implement solutions to keep projects on schedule.

The projects under development are expected to provide significant land for housing and related infrastructure, forming a key part of the government’s strategy to ease congestion in Malé and expand urban development across surrounding reclaimed islands.