North Hulhumalé MP Hussain Shareef has criticised the housing approach of the previous administration, stating that providing residents with physical structures alone does not constitute housing or resolve the country’s housing crisis.

Speaking on an MMTV's Bodu Khabaru programme, MP Shareef said that under the previous administration, flats in Hulhumalé Phase II were handed over as part of housing pledges without the accompanying basic services needed. He said residents were provided with apartment units but were left without adequate access to essential amenities in the surrounding areas.

The MP stressed that housing must go beyond the provision of four walls, noting that a healthy living environment requires services such as reliable utilities, schools, mosques, and community infrastructure. Without these, he stressed, residents would continue to face daily hardships despite having a roof over their heads.

MP Shareef also criticised the allocation of land plots in the Malé region during the previous Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration, noting that public funds were used to develop these areas while basic services for residents living in flats remained insufficient. He added that allowing people to settle in areas such as North Hulhumalé without proper amenities could lead to broader social challenges.

Drawing comparisons between housing projects, the MP said flats developed by Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) were handed over only after finishing works were completed, while many Hiyaa flats were allocated without basic fittings. As a result, he said, numerous Hiyaa flat recipients were forced to take loans and spend large sums of money to complete essential works such as installing doors, fans, and other basic necessities.

The current Administration has taken steps to strengthen basic services in newer residential developments, including the installation of water boosting systems and the commissioning of water and sewerage services in all towers at Aman Udhares and Aman Hiyaa.

He added that efforts are also underway to improve community facilities in Hulhumalé Phase I and Phase II, with plans to establish mosques and schools. According to the Ministry of Education, the first school in Hulhumalé Phase II is expected to be completed by the upcoming academic year, while the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has stated that several mosques are scheduled for completion before the end of Ramadan.