Housing Ministry signs with HDC to build new units in two ADh. atoll islands

From the signing ceremony for awarding the contract to HDC build the housing units in Mahibadhoo and Kunburudhoo in the Alif Dhaalu atoll, March 29, 2026. (Photo/Ministry of Construction, Housing & Infrastructure)

The Maldivian government, through the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, has formally finalized agreements with the Housing Development Corporation to launch significant housing initiatives in Alif Dhaalu Atoll. This move aligns with the administration's national agenda to expand residential availability and address the urgent housing needs across various islands. By leveraging the expertise of the Housing Development Corporation, the ministry intends to streamline the construction process and ensure that the projects are completed within the designated timelines. This initiative follows preparatory land reclamation efforts, reflecting a coordinated approach to regional development.

The Housing Development Corporation has been contracted to build 125 housing units in total across two islands in Alif Dhaalu Atoll.
Mahibadhoo will receive 100 three-bedroom units over an 18-month timeline, while Kunburudhoo will receive 25 units over a 16-month timeline.
The projects are supported by 89 hectares of land reclamation previously carried out by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company.
The rollout is part of a broader, nation-wide effort by the Ministry to increase residential capacity in various cities and islands.
Public and political discourse has emerged regarding the operational scope of state-owned enterprises and the strategic timing of these projects before local elections.

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has been awarded the contract to construct housing units in Mahibadhoo and Kunburudhoo of Alif Dhaalu Atoll.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced the projects during his visit to the atoll earlier this year.

The agreement was signed on Sunday, with State Minister Ismail Hameed signing on behalf of the Housing Ministry and HDC Managing Director Retired Brigadier General Ali Zuhair signing on behalf of the corporation.

Under the agreement, HDC will build 100 three‑bedroom housing units in Mahibadhoo within 18 months.

In Kunburudhoo, the smallest island in the atoll, HDC will construct 25 three‑bedroom units within 16 months, according to the Housing Ministry.

އދ. ކުނބުރުދޫގައި ތަރައްޤީކުރާ 25 ހައުސިންގ ޔުނިޓްގެ މަޝްރޫޢު އަދި އދ. މަހިބަދޫގައި ތަރައްޤީކުރާ 100 ހައުސިންގ ޔުނިޓްގެ މަޝްރޫޢުގެ އެއްބަސްވުމުގައި ސޮއިކޮށްފިއެވެ.
މި އެއްބަސްވުންތަކުގައި މިނިސްޓްރީ އޮފް ކޮންސްޓްރަކްޝަން، ހައުސިންގ އެންޑް އިންފްރާސްޓްރަކްޗަރގެ ފަރާތުން… pic.twitter.com/5rDSWYZEOL
— Ministry of Construction, Housing & Infrastructure (@MoCImv) March 29, 2026

Ahead of construction, MTCC was contracted in October last year to dredge land for the projects. A total of 89 hectares has been reclaimed.

The Housing Ministry has recently been commissioning multiple housing projects across the country. On Wednesday, HDC was awarded the construction of 50 housing units in H.Dh. Vaikaradhoo, and on Monday, the ministry commenced work on 50 housing units in Thinadhoo City.

HDC, which is primarily responsible for managing Hulhumale', has previously faced public concern over government companies being assigned projects outside their core mandate. Some have also questioned the timing of new project launches as local council elections approach.

By Azhaar Abdul Azeez

Writer