"Since only 192 of more than 1,000
islands are inhabited today, the issue of scarcity of land is not related to land per
se, but to developed or urbanized land, i.e., land serviced by basic infrastructure (such as
harbours and energy supply) and social services (such as schools and medical facilities)."
Tale of Two Cities
*Headline summery of linked article to pic: Laam atoll Gan to be developed to HulhuMale' standard!
"Demographic growth and internal migration not coupled to proper land and housing policies to accommodate sociodemographic changes have led to overcrowding in the capital Male and some islands, like Hulhumale and Villingili. The city of Male is built on an island of 2km which makes expansion very difficult or impossible. The housing situation in Male is characterized by overcrowding and land scarcity and the absence of an adequate State land management policy or any regulation of rents and building standards. Moreover, the lack of educational and basic services or employment opportunities encourages people to migrate to Male, which offers better educational and economic opportunities"
The Most overcrowded place on Earth
"Male’ now has the highest population density in the world with 525 persons per hectare. for comparison, the three largest cities ranked by population density are Mumbai with 296 persons per hectare followed by, Kolkata (239/ha) and Karachi (189/ha). While the Maldives median monthly disposable income (after Tax) is US$650; the median rent per one bedroom apartment is us$650 and a three bedroom apartment is us$1,230. Home ownership is almost prohibitive with price per square meter to buy apartment in male’ exceeding us$4,100"
Largest inhabited islands in the Maldives
Inhabited Island
|
Size in hectares
|
Reclamation cost
|
Male
|
197
|
Partly reclaimed. Cost unknown
|
Hulhumale' (Artificial island Adjacent to
capital city Male'
|
200
|
|
Ha. Baarah
|
256.7
|
0
|
Ha. Filladhoo
|
260.9
|
0
|
Ha. Kelaa
|
201.7
|
0
|
Hdh. Hanimaadhoo
|
305.7
|
0
|
Hdh. Kumudhoo
|
178.
|
0
|
Hdh. Kulhudhuffushi *
|
187.9
|
0
|
Hdh. Neykurendhoo
|
168.6
|
0
|
Hdh. Nolhivaramu
|
203.4
|
0
|
Hdh. Nolhivaranfaru
|
171.2
|
0
|
Sh. Milandhoo
|
131.1
|
0
|
N. Kedhikolhudhoo
|
207.7
|
0
|
B. Goidhoo
|
163.7
|
0
|
K. Kaashidhoo
|
276.8
|
0
|
AA. Thoddoo
|
172.6
|
0
|
L. Gan
|
595.6
|
0
|
L. Isdhoo
|
358.6
|
0
|
Gdh. Vaadhoo
|
192.9
|
0
|
Gn. Fuvahmulah *
|
492
|
0
|
S. Addu (hithadhoo, maradhoo, feydhoo
|
683.4
|
0
|
S. Addu hulhumeedhoo
|
288.1
|
0
|
"Strengthening the implementation of growth poles around Consolidation/Safe Islands
to reduce the population density of Malé
and to create incentives for healthy economic
development of other atolls. The scale,
planning and implementation of a
properly formulated Safe Islands Plan
should not only be designed to assist in securing adequate housing for everyone, but also to propel the Maldives into a position as a high social development country within two decades.
Strengthening the implementation of the general policy of de-centralising official housing competencies. In this regard, Ward Officers can be given more authority in monitoring the housing situation in their area, while, Island Officers and Atoll Officers can be more involved in the formulation of the housing policies that effect them.
Most of the island and atoll officers consulted often voiced their frustration at the lack of their own involvement in these matters and ward officers voiced concerns over the lack of the responsibility given to them and revealed a ready willingness to take up more responsibilities in this arena"
"Forced
evictions do not happen only at gunpoint. Forced eviction is when we have to migrate due to absence of services and lack in Quality of Services"
"Government
needs to protect the right of slum dwellers by effectively preventing the
denial of their rights by third parties such as landlords, property developers,
social service providers and other capable restricting rights"
Islanders Note:
"All Governments
have implemented loan schemes targeted at building homes in Male'. These are
than rented out to the Raajjethere meehaa (islander) who come to Male' (capital
city of Maldives) in search of jobs and services"