Minister says flats will be allocated fairly, but some 75-point applicants may receive two-bedroom units

Housing Minister Dr Abdullah Muthalib stated on Sunday that the government will allocate flats under the previous administration’s Gedhoruveriyaa housing scheme based on the number of units available, and is working to ensure a fair handover to rightful recipients from it.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, Muthalib said the current administration had attempted to follow the allocation criteria announced by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government on November 15, 2023. That plan had promised three-bedroom flats to applicants scoring 76 points, with remaining units to be distributed via a draw among those scoring 75 points.

However, discrepancies emerged: over 300 applicants with 76 points were not allocated flats, while some with 75 points received them. The Housing Ministry referred the matter to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for investigation.

“There are 330 people who scored 76 points but didn’t receive three-bedroom flats. We don’t have enough units for all of them,” Muthalib said. To address this, the ministry has cancelled allocations for 75-point applicants and will conduct a draw among those scoring above 76.

Applicants with 75 points will be offered two options:

• Accept a two-bedroom flat now through agreement
• Wait until flats allocated to ineligible applicants are cancelled

Muthalib acknowledged that some 75-point applicants may ultimately receive two-bedroom units due to limited availability.

Out of the 1,218 applicants on the flat list, 1,160 have been allocated flats, while 58 remain unassigned. Flats reclaimed from ineligible recipients and units relinquished by 100 couples will be redistributed to 75-point applicants.

“We can only allocate the flats we have. We’re trying to do this in the most fair way possible,” Muthalib said.

He added that the previous government had not added new names to the November 15 list, but the current administration has removed those who failed to meet basic eligibility criteria, such as residency in Male' for 15 years or owning land.

Addressing allegations that flats are being sold for MVR 250,000, Muthalib warned the public against falling for scams. “If you’re not on the list, no amount of money will get you a flat. Don’t do that,” he said.

Former State Minister for Housing Akram Kamaluddin, who oversaw allocations under the previous government, responded to the allegations. He claimed that only qualified couples who received two flats were excluded from the draw and accused the ministry of misleading the public by withholding that detail.