The Construction Ministry has announced a tender to find a consultant to develop the master plan for Rasmale', with the ambitious goal of populating the island with 200,000 residents over the next 20 years.
The Rasmale' reclamation project officially commenced on December 18, 2023. While the government initially stated that 1,153 hectares of land would be reclaimed from the Fushidhiggaru lagoon, the Terms of Reference (TOR) included in the announcement for consultants specifies the island's size as 1,010 hectares.
A purpose of the project is to ensure Rasmale' can accommodate a population of 200,000 within two decades. Furthermore, the master plan must stipulate that the island’s power grid operates on renewable energy.
The government also aims to establish a carbon-neutral internal transportation system for Rasmale'. The master plan is required to incorporate strategies for climate resilience and disaster risk reduction, ensuring the island remains a safe and sustainable long-term habitat.
The ministry has set a deadline of 10:00 am on July 13 for bid submissions. The contract is intended to be awarded to a Maldivian company.
Under the scope of work, the selected consultant must develop a comprehensive land-use plan. This plan must designate specific zones for residential, commercial, civic, industrial, cultural, and recreational use. Additionally, the consultant will be responsible for drafting zoning regulations and establishing building height and subdivision standards.
According to the project timeline, the land-use plan and a draft master plan must be submitted within two to three weeks of the contract award. The final master plan is expected to be delivered within six to eight weeks.
President Mohamed Muizzu on Monday provided a fifth deadline for the completion of the reclamation project, which was originally pledged to be finished within eight months of its launch two and a half years ago. The new target for completion is the end of this year.
