The Government will launch two new housing schemes for residents of the islands within the next two weeks as part of efforts to expand homeownership opportunities outside the Greater Malé Region, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development has announced.

Speaking to State media, State Minister Ahmed Nazim Mohamed said the projects are among a series of housing initiatives the Government plans to introduce across the atolls over the coming month.

State Minister Nazim said the schemes will be implemented under two separate models. The first involves the construction of completed houses that will be available for purchase by eligible applicants.

The second model is aimed at individuals who already own land but require financial assistance to build a home. Under this scheme, financing will be facilitated through financial institutions, allowing homeowners to construct houses that best suit their needs.

Nazim said the new programmes will complement the housing projects already underway in the islands and are expected to be officially launched within the next month.

He added that the Government remains committed to fulfilling its pledge to increase homeownership during its current term. As part of the wider housing programme, initiatives are also being planned to enable resort employees to live with their families closer to their places of work.

Nazim further stated that expanding housing opportunities in the islands would help reduce population pressure on the Greater Malé Region by encouraging more people to remain in, or relocate to, the atolls. He added that the projects would also support the development of designated regional urban centres and promote a more balanced distribution of the population.