Flat list to be published next week, handover before year end

Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed has said that the list of recipients of the 4000 flats in Hulhumale' Phase 2 will be published next week, with the flats to be handed over before the end of the year.

The 4000 flats are being granted to Male' residents under the Gedhoruveriya Scheme - a housing scheme initiated by the previous government led by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Speaking on State TV PSM's Raajje Miadhu program last night, Haidar said at present, the forms submitted applying for the 4000 flats are being re-evaluated.

He said that once all the forms are re-evaluated, a temporary list of flat recipients will be announced next week, after which a window will be provided within which any complaints can be raised.

Once all the processes are completed, the Minister estimates that the flats can be handed over before the end of the year.

Earlier, a permanent list of recipients had been published just two days before the previous administration had completed its term. They began signing interim agreements and handing over flats, at which the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) stepped in and brought the proceedings to a halt.

The ACC opened investigations into numerous complaints they had received regarding the flat recipients list, the findings of which indicated that 60 percent of the recipients did not meet the requirements for being awarded a flat.

With multiple issues arising, the government formed a dedicated commission and began reviewing the list.

For the Gedhoruveriya scheme, 32 towers of 17 to 18 floors are being constructed in Hulhumale' Phase 2. Each floor houses eight apartments. Two room apartments are 1.200 sqft in size, with three room apartments having 2,800 sqft of space.

Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC), which are constructing these towers, have previously assured that it will be completed by mid-2025. Of these, the 700 flats built through loan assistance from the Indian Government has already been completed and handed over to the government.