Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr Abdulla Muththalib has revealed that more than 20,000 applications have so far been submitted under the Government’s housing schemes for flats and land plots.

Speaking at a press briefing today, the minister said there are also more than 17,000 draft applications that have yet to be formally submitted, bringing the total number of applications and pending drafts to approximately 37,000. He noted that the high number of applications reflects continued public demand for housing opportunities.

Minister Dr Muththalib also highlighted previous housing projects carried out over the years, including developments implemented through foreign financing arrangements and large-scale housing initiatives undertaken during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s tenure as housing minister. These include the Hiyaa housing project, Vinares flats, social housing developments in Hulhumalé and housing projects implemented through State-owned enterprises.

The minister further stated that the current Administration has already commenced work on 3,260 housing units within the Greater Malé Region. He added that financing arrangements are being finalised for additional projects, including 540 units financed through Bank of Maldives, 500 units under an interest-free loan scheme, 400 flats supported by the Saudi Fund for Development, and 4,000 housing units planned in Gulhifalhu under India’s Line of Credit assistance programme.

He also noted that Maldivian companies have submitted proposals for projects aimed at providing housing at controlled prices through incentives and land lease arrangements, while discussions are ongoing regarding the construction of an additional 1,000 housing units.