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Negligence in atoll development lead to housing issues in Male': Aslam

Malika Shahid
19 September 2022, MVT 14:54
Housing Minister Mohamed Aslam speaking at the inauguration of MTCC's "Bodu Jarraafa" in Gaafu Alifu atoll Dhaandhoo -- Photo: Housing Ministry
Malika Shahid
19 September 2022, MVT 14:54

Housing Minister Mohamed Aslam said housing issues in the Greater Male' region have yet to resolved as governments have neglected to develop other islands despite the development of Hulhumale'.

Speaking at a ceremony to inaugurate MTCC's “Bodu Jarraafa” Gaafu Alifu atoll Dhaandhoo, Aslam said Maldives can only bring about real development if there is an established system where people can easily travel to get services.

Recalling the past, he said that in 1997, when then government was planning to reclaim the land in Hulhumale', some experts involved in the process suggested that the expenditure should be spent on other islands instead of a reclamation. But some saw that the city’s economy could be sustained by dredging the land in the Hulhumale', Aslam said.

"They said they would dredge Hulhumale' to solve the housing problem of the people of Male'. "How many years have passed since 1997? Has the housing problem of the people of the city been solved? No," the minister asked.

Minister Aslam said that education, medical treatment and business opportunities are still expanding only in Male' city, which has in turn created a lot of social problems.

Aslam said the solution could be brought by “spreading” development across the country. The government's plan is to divide the country into three regions and carry out development projects. The work is now progressing very fast, he said.

Aslam said the housing problem in the city has yet to be solved. There is a big debate about the government's decision to allocate land plots free of charge in Male' city area for residents of the city.

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