Housing schemes neglected by current gov't, Unions allege

The Fahi Union and Uthuru Thila Falhu Union have voiced strong criticism against the current government, accusing it of neglecting the second phase of the previous administration's housing schemes. Despite a significant number of applications for this phase, the unions claim the schemes have been overlooked.

The Gedhoruveriyaa and Binnveriyaa schemes were initially launched by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's government. A second phase was announced just before the second round of the 2023 presidential election, which saw Solih face off against current President Mohamed Muizzu, who ultimately won.

The allocation of land and flats under the Solih government's schemes has faced considerable delays, drawing numerous complaints from the public.

During a Monday press conference representing both unions, lawyer Ali Hussain emphasized the government's constitutional obligation to provide affordable housing, water, and electricity. He highlighted that the Constitution and laws guarantee citizens the freedom to reside in any island they choose and the right to become a citizen after five years of residence.

Hussain recalled that the initial schemes introduced by the previous Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government aimed to allocate approximately 3,000 plots of land. However, due to an increased number of eligible applicants, the scheme was expanded to provide land to 9,000 individuals.

He further explained that the MDP government introduced a second scheme to address the challenges faced by individuals who had migrated from the islands and resided in Malé city for extended periods but did not meet the requirements for obtaining land from their home islands, and also lacked registration in Malé city, hindering their ability to acquire land and apartments within the city.

A total of 40,594 applications have been submitted for this second scheme, comprising 21,247 applications for flats and 19,347 for land.

"Many of us have actually forgotten about these schemes as well, we talk to some people on the island and people are saying that they have applied, but they don't know what scheme they applied for or whether their name is there or not," Hussain stated.

According to Ali Hussain, the proposed allocations include 9,000 plots and 3,000 flats from Uthuru Thila Falhu, 3,800 plots and 4,000 flats from Gulhifalhu, 1,800 flats from the Male' area, 300 flats from Villimale’, and 1,500 plots and 8,000 flats from Hulhumale'.

However, Hussain asserted that the current government has yet to take any action to validate these applications. He stressed that while the government may have forgotten the scheme, the Union has not.

In a previous press conference, the union expressed concern over the unacquired Uthuru Thila Falhu and Giravaru lagoons, attributing it to the current government's negligence. They also pointed out that despite the government's promise to complete the dredging of Hulhumale' Phase Three and hand over land and flats within a year, this has not been accomplished.

President Muizzu has pledged to provide housing for all individuals over the age of 18, and the government has announced its decision to allocate housing units in Uthuru Thila Falhu.