HRCM orders cancellation of flat list in Nolhivaranfaru

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has asked the island council to cancel the provisional list of 100 flat recipients to be allocated under the government's housing policy.

HRCM said in a press release that it had received a petition signed by 279 people expressing concerns about the allocation of 100 flats under the government's housing policy. Therefore, the commission conducted an investigation into the complaints, the statement said.

The commission's investigation has found that if the properties are allocated under the current regulations, the applicants will lose their rights guaranteed by the Constitution and laws.

According to HRCM, the commission's investigation does not believe that revising the rules for allocating flats in Nolhivaranfaru and re-evaluating the applications of those who have already applied would be the most fair way. Therefore, the HRCM has asked the Nolhivaranfaru council to cancel the initial flat list and formulate a new regulation.

The commission has also asked the council to take into account the findings of the HRCM's investigation report.

The Human Rights Commission has warned that it will take action under Article 26 of the Human Rights Commission Act if the island council fails to comply with its order.

According to this article, individuals who violate a commission's order can face the following consequences of being placed under house arrest for three months or be fired from a government position.

HRCM said the details of the investigation report have now been shared with the Nolhivaranfaru council, the Housing Ministry and the complainants.

The opportunity to apply for the 100 flats was first opened in October 2022. However, the announcement was canceled and the regulations were changed and applications for the flats were reopened in March last year. The opportunity was opened for the second time by changing the rules to allow residents as well as those who want to move to the island to apply for the flats.

The construction of 100 flats in Nolhivaranfaru started in 2011 during the administration of former President Mohamed Nasheed.

Rasheed Carpentry and Construction Pvt Ltd was initially awarded the contract at a cost of MVR 53.5 million. However, the work was delayed and stopped in 2014.

After seven years of stagnation, the work was resumed under the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The work was completed in 2022.