Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr Abdulla Muththalib has rejected claims by the Malé City Council that residency registration cannot be issued for flats developed by Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) in Hulhumalé.

The Minister made the remarks while responding to questions from members of the People’s Majlis. The issue was raised following statements by the council that the flats, issued under a rent-to-own model, cannot be used for residency registration.

Minister Dr Muththalib said there are no legal obstacles to registering residents in the flats, adding that the council’s position is not based on any legal principle. He explained that the only difference in the agreements is the use of a “rent-to-own” model instead of a standard sale and purchase arrangement.

“There is no legal justification for this. The City Council is acting in a way that creates difficulties for the Government and seeks to cause discord between the Government and the public,” the Minister said.

He added that both FDC and the City Council have been formally instructed to facilitate residency registration for the flats, stressing that the process must be carried out.

The Minister further said the council does not have the authority to shift responsibility onto the Government by refusing to implement the registration process.