Government will release the long delayed list of recipients of the social housing flats under the previous government’s ‘Gedhoruveriyaa” housing scheme on Thursday, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced.
The former administration led by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) initiated the development of 4,000 flats in Hulhumale' under the Scheme. However, the project remained incomplete at the end of the term. Ahead of the conclusion of then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s term, the government released a final list of flat recipients. However, after a case was filed regarding the list, the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) revealed that only 20 percent of the listed recipients met eligibility criteria.
The discovery by the ACC had forced the current Administration to conduct a thorough review of the recipients list.
Addressing the residents of Hulhudheli as part of his ongoing three-day tour of several islands of Dhaalu Atoll, the President said questions have been raised after he promised to release the list before the beginning of Ramadan during the presidential address earlier this month.
But true to that promise, the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure will release the list on Thursday, President Muizzu announced adding that the Ministry will offer more details about the whole process during a press conference scheduled for that day.
“"There are two days left this week. I said in the presidential address that the list of 4,000 flats will be released before Ramadan. The list will be released after the Housing Minister's press conference on Thursday,” he explained
“When the list comes out all those who applied will know the details like those who received it and those who didn't get a flat and why. It will all be very transparent.”
Prior to meeting local residents, President Dr Muizzu met with the Hulhudheli Island Council, the Women's Development Committee (WDC), and heads of institutions to address the island's crucial developmental needs.
During the meeting, the Council shared the challenges faced due to a lack of resources. They emphasised that an efficient waste management system, road construction initiatives, a new Council Secretariat, and a slipway were immediate needs for the island.
Heads of institutions also highlighted the issues faced due to lack of space in the island's school and Court, in addition to the requirements of the island's Health Centre.
The President assured the Hulhudheli community leaders that his Administration will address their concerns and find solutions.
During his visit to Hulhudheli, President Dr Muizzu had also inaugurated the newly established Bank of Maldives (BML) ATM on the island.
Speaking at the ceremony BML’s Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Shareef said the launching of ATM services will provide several banking services to the people of Hulhudheli, including cash deposits, withdrawals and loan repayment.