President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the building height limit for residential plots in Hulhumalé, encompassing both Phase I and Phase II, will be revised to ten storeys.
The President made these remarks during a consultative meeting held this evening with residents of Hulhumalé Phase I, at the Rehendhi School Hall. The meeting formed part of a series of public engagements initiated by the President to engage directly with citizens, hear their views and concerns, and identify practical solutions.
Elaborating on the proposed revision, the President stated that parking constraints remain a significant issue in Hulhumalé. He explained that buildings constructed up to ten storeys will be required to allocate the ground floor exclusively for parking facilities for residents. He further noted that an additional floor will be designated for non-residential, income-generating purposes, such as commercial use. The President stated that the necessary regulatory amendments to facilitate the construction of ten-storey buildings will be introduced, making this opportunity available to residents of both phases.
Addressing land ownership matters, the President stated that residential plots allocated under the social category in Hulhumalé Phase I through paid agreements have not previously benefited from financial concessions. He announced that the Government will grant a 10 per cent discount on the total value stipulated in these agreements, clarifying that the discounted amount will be deducted from the remaining outstanding balance.
During the meeting, the President also provided an update on measures being undertaken to address public complaints and requests received since the consultations held across Malé. In this regard, he stated that a joint task force comprising representatives from the Ministry of Economic Development, Maldives Immigration and the Maldives Police Service has intensified enforcement efforts. As a result, 83 massage parlours operating illegally under the guise of salons were closed between 9th and 21st December, while a further 56 businesses operated illegally by expatriates were shut down within the past three weeks.
The President also addressed public concerns regarding increased Government expenditure arising from the appointment of retired individuals to State positions. He announced that under a new policy, any retired individual appointed to a Government position or elected to public office will have their retirement allowance suspended for the tenure of their service in that role.
In addition, the President announced that a Bill titled the Re-employment Bill has been submitted to the People’s Majlis. The Bill seeks to provide a legal framework to enable individuals aged between 65 and 75 to continue working.
The President further announced that changes introduced to dress code standards in Government offices will be reverted to the original Civil Service specifications. He stated that the relevant authorities have been instructed to implement this decision under the executive powers vested in his office.
Addressing concerns regarding the use of mobile phones in schools, the President announced that from the next academic year, students will be prohibited from using mobile phones during school hours. He added that the Ministry of Education will oversee the implementation of this policy, with operational guidelines to be issued accordingly.
