President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured that decisions on waiving penalties or granting concessions to social housing beneficiaries are made only after careful assessment, rejecting claims that such measures are implemented without due consideration.

The President made the remarks while responding to concerns raised by residents during a community meeting in Hulhumalé Phase I. He said the Government evaluates each case by considering the circumstances of beneficiaries, conducting necessary assessments, and taking into account the overall state of the economy. He stressed that concessions are not granted in a manner that would undermine the Government’s ability to meet its debt obligations or unfairly burden other residents.

Addressing concerns that social housing concessions are limited to the Greater Malé Region, President Dr Muizzu said rental reductions for social housing units have also been implemented in the atolls. He emphasised that all citizens are treated equally.

The President further stated that the current Government has neither allocated nor revoked social housing flats based on political affiliation. He also clarified that community meetings are conducted openly, without instructions to give speaking opportunities to specific individuals.

On the issue of prolonged pretrial detention, President Dr Muizzu said that, based on information provided by the Attorney General’s Office, trials for individuals who have been awaiting trial for more than one year are expected to be completed by the end of next March, with remaining cases to follow thereafter.

The President also outlined recent and planned developments in the health sector, noting that Hulhumalé Hospital has already received additional services, staffing, and infrastructure upgrades. He said the 2026 State Budget places strong emphasis on healthcare, particularly in the Greater Malé Region, where population density is highest. The President added that planned projects include two multi-specialty hospitals, an extension of Hulhumalé Hospital, and the construction of a new hospital in Hulhumalé Phase II.

In addition, President Dr Muizzu highlighted plans for major sports and community infrastructure, including sports complexes in Hulhumalé Phase I and Phase II, a National Stadium in Phase I, and the construction and completion of additional mosques.