President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the new housing initiative introduced by the Administration will provide a sustainable and long-term solution to the housing crisis – a pressing concern for both native Malé residents and those who have resided in Malé long-term.
He made the remarks at the “Rayyithunnaa Eku Kuriah – Hafthaa 104” ceremony held this evening at the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE), marking the second anniversary of the Administration.
The President reiterated that housing remains the Government’s foremost pledge, noting that meaningful progress in social and economic wellbeing cannot be achieved without addressing the longstanding housing challenges across all communities. He highlighted that agreements have been formalised to construct 825 housing units across 13 islands, with additional projects included in the forthcoming year’s budget. He assured that all housing commitments made to the islands will be fulfilled within the next three years.
Addressing the housing crisis in Malé, President Dr Muizzu emphasised that the Administration’s immediate priority is to complete and hand over the unfinished housing projects initiated by the previous administration. He noted that keys have already been issued to 84 recipients of the 4,000 Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) flats and affirmed the Government’s aim to complete and deliver all remaining flats before the upcoming month of Ramadan.
The President further stated that land plots have been allocated from reclaimed areas such as Hulhumalé and Gulhifalhu, with additional plots to be issued from Giraavaru Falhu and Hulhumalé Phase 3 upon completion of reclamation works. He underscored that the Government will only allocate plots once reclamation has been fully completed. In this regard, he added that the list of recipients for the reclamation project scheduled to begin in December will be finalised once the project is completed in April next year. The President noted that 15,000 plots will be allocated from Rasmalé in the first phase, with a total of 25,000 plots of 1,250 square feet planned for the entire project.
President Dr Muizzu also highlighted that the Bank of Maldives (BML) has commenced a project to develop 3,000 housing units, while a further 4,500 units will be constructed with support from international partners. He reaffirmed that social housing units under the rent-to-own model will have rents capped at MVR 10,000 for three-bedroom flats.
