President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced on Sunday that land allotments for the beneficiaries of the 'Binveriya' housing scheme would commence in August. He made the remarks while addressing the function to inaugurate the land reclamation project on Gulhifalhu Island.
Speaking at the function, the President characterised the Gulhifalhu land reclamation project as a major development initiative with significant positive implications for the entire country, despite its location in the Malé region. He stated that the project would transform the Malé region and that its most notable impact would be its positive effect on the housing situation in the area.
In addition to providing land for the Binveriya housing scheme, the 150-hectare land reclamation project would also support the development of the Gulhifalhu port. President Solih announced that the administration plans to allocate 2,000 housing plots in Gulhifalhu while reserving another 2,000 for the housing scheme in Giraavarufalhu.
Land reclamation in Giraavarufalhu is underway and has already reclaimed 20 hectares of land. The Binveriya housing scheme also includes allocating 2,200 plots in Hulhumalé, bringing the total number of land plots granted under the plan to 6,200. President Solih has also announced that the administration is exploring ways to increase the availability of land for residential purposes.
The President announced that the administration would begin issuing land plots to recipients of the Binveriya housing scheme in August after reviewing the preliminary list of beneficiaries and addressing any complaints or inquiries. President Solih stated that the administration intends to continue issuing land plots until all eligible beneficiaries have received one, per the list of recipients. He added that the administration's goal of a "prosperous, safe Maldives" for the people is the driving force behind every agreement signed, ground broken, and initiative begun.
Highlighting that the Binveriya housing scheme is the most extensive housing initiative undertaken in the country to date and that it would have far-reaching positive implications, the President also emphasised the potential economic benefits of relocating the Malé Commercial Harbour and constructing an international port at Gulhifalhu.
The administration commissioned Boskalis Westminster Contracting Ltd. to undertake the Gulhifalhu land reclamation project, creating 150 hectares of land for the Binveriya housing scheme and the Gulhifalhu Port project.
