President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the Government will only issue land plots after land reclamation work has been completed.

Speaking on State media’s “Nation Chat” programme, President Dr Muizzu contrasted the policy with practices under the previous administration, stating that the current Government would ensure plots are allocated only after the land is ready for handover.

The President highlighted efforts carried out in the housing sector over the past two and a half years, describing housing as one of the most fundamental rights of citizens. 

President Dr Muizzu said several housing projects are currently underway in both the Greater Malé Region and the atolls, with a number of island projects assigned to different companies to speed up implementation.

He noted that 900 housing units are planned across 13 islands under financing provided by the Bank of Maldives (BML). In addition, he said large-scale housing projects are also being implemented in several islands through the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).

Highlighting developments in the Greater Malé Region, the President said agreements have been signed with companies to develop up to 4,000 flats. He added that the Government’s “Affordable Home Ownership” model, under which 2,000 housing units are planned, has received significant public interest following the announcement seeking developers for the project.

In addition, the President said additional housing projects are expected to commence in the Greater Malé Region later this year and the next year alongside projects already in progress.

He also said discussions are ongoing with the Indian government to expedite a project to develop 4,000 housing units under India’s Line of Credit (LOC) assistance. In addition, he said the Chinese government has agreed to support the development of 500 housing units, with administrative work related to the project currently underway.

President Dr Muizzu further stated that, alongside housing projects, the Government has also continued issuing housing loans over the past two years.

He said one of the first priorities of the current Administration after assuming office was to complete housing projects initiated under the previous government. This included finalising work related to land plots and the 4,000-flat project before handing them over to eligible recipients.