The Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development has announced that preparations are underway to launch additional housing schemes across islands outside the Greater Malé area, with the projects expected to be officially introduced within the next month.
The ministry stated that one of the main factors driving migration to the Greater Malé region is the lack of adequate housing and living conditions on many islands and within atolls. To address this issue, the government is prioritising the implementation of housing schemes in the islands to support those who wish to remain in their home communities.
Speaking on PSM News' programme, State Minister for Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Ahmed Nazim Mohamed said the new housing projects designed for islands outside the capital region are expected to be launched within approximately one month.
Nazim said the projects are being developed under two separate models. The first involves the construction of affordable housing units that citizens will be able to apply for at affordable rates. The second focuses on home construction schemes, which will be linked with financial institutions to provide financing opportunities for individuals wishing to build homes on their own land plots.
He said the two models would ensure that citizens have the opportunity to apply for a housing option that best suits their needs and preferences.
"These two projects are being planned for the islands in addition to the housing projects currently ongoing. God willing, we will be able to launch both projects within the next month," Nazim said.
The State Minister also noted that the initiative is part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's pledge to expand access to housing and will enable a large number of citizens to secure housing during the current presidential term.
According to the government, one of the key objectives of developing affordable housing in the islands is to ensure that people employed in the tourism sector can more easily secure housing and establish families within the regions where they work.
The government further stated that the initiative is intended to create greater opportunities for people who wish to live in the islands, reducing reliance on the Greater Malé area. It is also expected to support citizens relocating to locations identified by the government for development as urban centres.
Meanwhile, work is already underway to address previously stalled housing projects in the islands and to assist individuals facing financial difficulties in constructing homes on their own land under the government's Housing for All policy.
The government said applications for the ongoing programme have already been received from 43 islands across the country.