President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said major housing projects are currently underway and more projects will be launched next year.
Speaking on PSM’s “Nation Chat”, the President said housing is one of the most basic rights of citizens and the government is prioritising the sector.
Highlighting ongoing projects, the President said around 900 housing units in 13 islands have been awarded under financing from Bank of Maldives (BML). Additional housing projects in larger islands are being implemented under contracts awarded by Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
According to the President, in the Greater Male’ region, contracts have been awarded to build up to 4,000 flats. The government’s announcement to develop 2,000 housing units under an affordable home ownership scheme received strong public response, he said.
President Muizzu said discussions are ongoing with the Indian government to speed up construction of 4,000 housing units under India’s Line of Credit (LoC) assistance. He also said China is set to develop 500 housing units, with administrative work currently in progress.
Besides housing construction, the government is also issuing housing loans, said the President. He said loans were issued last year and this year as well. He said one of the government’s first priorities after taking office was completing housing projects initiated by the previous administration, noting that land allocations and 4,000 flats have already been handed over to rightful recipients.
The President also criticised the previous government, alleging that some land had been allocated from areas that had not yet been reclaimed or dredged.