Pres: Flats awarded will not be revoked; list to be released before Ramadan

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu states his administration has no intention of revoking the flats awarded – adding the permanent list of recipients will be released before Ramadan.

He made the remark during an interview with the media in GA. Dhevvadhoo on Thursday during a visit to the island as part of his Huvadhoo Atoll tour.

In this regard, the President, citing housing shortage is one of the most pressing concerns faced in the Maldives at present, said efforts are underway to ensure housing for all citizens as he pledged during his presidential campaign.

The President, underscoring that there is no intention to revoke any issued flats and housing plots, stressed that any fraudulently attained gains would be an exception. He added that any flats and housing plots cleared of this by ACC would be issued to its rightful beneficiary.

While the Government focuses on housing projects in this year's budget, the President emphasized that announcements would be made in the coming days to select contractors for the construction of the promised housing units across the islands. He noted that contractors would be sourced regionally, with multiple atolls grouped together to help reduce overall costs. Additionally, he mentioned that some projects would be financed through contractor-led funding, with implementation proceeding as contracts are finalized.

The President also pointed out the Hiyaavehi financing scheme as the most affordable housing loan option under Islamic finance. He reaffirmed that the completion of these housing initiatives would address the nation's housing shortages.

Expressing confidence in the Government’s ability to complete these housing projects by the end of 2026, the President was optimistic about delivering concrete results this year and in the years to come.

The 4,000 units being developed by FDC in Hulhumale’ Phase II are the first of housing units being built under the ‘Gedhoruveriya’ scheme, a social housing project launched by the former administration.

The list of recipients of the flats, which was released during the last days of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration, was the subject of an investigation by ACC.

The corruption watchdog ordered for the suspension of the issuance of flats, before finally giving the Housing Ministry the go-ahead to proceed in February.

Housing Ministry has provided different dates to publish the list, yet failed to deliver every time. A special committee incepted within the Ministry is reevaluating the application forms.  

MDP administration had decided to issue flats to over 15,000 applicants who met the requirements under the ‘Gedhoruveriya’ scheme.