Nearly two years since the initial decision, on 22 April 2025, the Malé City Council approved the new concept design for the Sinamale' Male' flats.
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In 2023, the government identified the need to redevelop the first housing flats developed in the Maldives — the Sinamalé, Malé Hiyaa flats. Built over 30 years ago, in the 1990s under the administration of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, these flats were among the earliest government measures to address the rising demand for housing in the capital city. Their development also marked the beginning of a significant migration of islanders to the Greater Malé Area in search of a better quality of life. As a result, the population density in Malé increased rapidly, creating an acute housing shortage.
Although the construction of the Sinamalé and Malé Hiyaa flats was a major housing project at the time, providing 128 apartments — nearly 35 years later, the buildings have experienced substantial wear and tear. Consequently, the government decided to pursue a redevelopment project to rehouse the current residents. On 24 May 2023, the Malé City Council decided to demolish and rebuild the flats, signing an agreement with SF Project Consultancy Limited on 17 August 2023.
The redevelopment is planned to take place in two phases, aiming to construct a total of 1,500 apartment units, ranging from two- to four-bedroom apartments. Phase one will focus on building 700 units to accommodate the current residents, while phase two will develop 800 units to house new tenants.
Nearly two years since the initial decision, on 22 April 2025, the Malé City Council approved the new concept design for the flats. According to Malé City Mayor Adam Azim, the newly approved concept features more spacious apartments compared to the original proposal. Additionally, the updated design includes improved security measures for residents and significantly more parking spaces — a vital improvement in Malé, where parking is often scarce.
Providing further details, the City Council revealed that the land for the first 20-storey tower has already been handed over to the contractor. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to transfer the remaining land, which currently houses some government properties, to the Council for the development of the next phase of flats.
