Former President Mohamed Nasheed has called for Male' residents to be granted access to land in other parts of the Maldives, citing historical context and current housing challenges.
In a social media post on Sunday, Nasheed said the land debate in Male' has persisted for generations, and that the capital is not the exclusive domain of any particular group.
“Male' is not an island belonging to any one person. Historically, it has always been a shared space,” he wrote.
Nasheed referenced the year 1750, noting that Male' was then inhabited by people from various islands and regional communities. He said every island had a house in Male' at the time, citing examples such as the land from present-day Kelaage to Maaveyo Athiri, which belonged to Kelaa Edhuru Kaleygefaanu, and the Addu-Sikkage area, which extended from Sikkage to the northern beachside of Male'.
He added that the city was home to Africans, Malabars, Turks, and others from the region, reflecting its diverse roots.
Nasheed reiterated his support for the Veshi Fahi Male' (Decongested Male') programme, saying it remains important to relocate some residents and ensure that people from Male' also have access to land in other islands.
The post comes amid ongoing debate over housing rights in the capital. While some argue that all Maldivians should have equal access to land in Male', others believe priority should be given to those born and raised in the city. Nasheed’s remarks suggest a middle ground, relieving pressure on the capital by expanding land access elsewhere.