Starting Sunday, land plots from Gulhifalhu in Kaafu atoll under the Binnveriyaa scheme, initiated by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration, are now being distributed.
The Ministry of Construction, Housing and and Infrastructure began clearing and marking boundaries for plots allotted to individuals in Gulhifalhu on September 3.
In a post on X on Sunday, Housing Minister Dr Abdullah Muthalib announced that the land plots have begun being handed over. Once contractors vacate the lands that are being used for various construction projects in Gulhifalhu, those land will also be handed over to the owners, he said.
A Binnveriyaa scheme land owner signs agreement at Gulhifalhu on September 14, 2025. (Photo/Housing Ministry)
The Housing Ministry reported that 1,260 people have received land registration since the process began on July 12 of last year.
Land registrations are being issued at the former Housing Ministry building, specifically in the section previously utilized by the city council.
The Gulhifalhu project initiated in July last year. The government previously announced that the dredging work was awarded to Boskalis of the Netherlands for USD 120 million (MVR 2 billion).
While the previous government conducted the draw for land recipients, the current government has since changed the land use plan twice. Registrations are now being issued following a re-draw on May 30, under the new land use plan.
A Binnveriyaa scheme land owner at Gulhifalhu on September 14, 2025. (Photo/Housing Ministry)
The interim government amended the agreement, citing illegality in its preparation by the former government.
Originally, recipients were required to relinquish claims to state-owned land under 600 square feet in Male’. A new policy proposed extending this to all land owned in the Maldives, which raised concerns. Housing Minister Dr. Abdulla Muthalib noted that the change conflicted with Article 11 of the Land Act, prompting the amendment.
This decision prompted threats of legal action from the Gulhifalhu Rayyithunge Union. In response, Muthalib clarified on X that the original agreement would remain in effect, with a new document addressing plot number changes to expedite allotments.