President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said his Administration will become the Government that provides housing opportunities to the largest number of citizens in the Maldives.

Speaking at a People’s National Congress (PNC) gathering held on Thursday night, President Dr Muizzu described housing as one of the Administration’s key policy priorities and said ongoing efforts would result in more people receiving housing under the current Government than any previous administration.

The President criticised past Governments, stating that housing projects were often accelerated ahead of elections before later being neglected.

President Dr Muizzu also reflected on his time as housing minister, stating that he had worked to fast-track housing projects initiated during former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration. He said efforts had been made to complete unfinished flats and make them ready for occupancy, although he faced challenges due to a lack of policy support at the time.

“If there is no policy direction from the leadership, there is little I can do. I can only proceed based on the instructions given by those in authority. From the very first day, my priority has been these issues,” he said.

The President further stated that one of the Administration’s first priorities after taking office was to make lagoon plots issued under the previous MDP Government usable for citizens, while also completing unfinished housing flats.

He added that several housing projects are currently underway across the Maldives, with additional projects planned during the current presidential term.