Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC) coalition’s presidential candidate Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday evening, August 20, announced the housing policy in his manifesto.
During the campaign held at Hulhumalé 2 near Hiyaa housing flats, Dr. Muizzu, who has previously served as the Minister of Housing during two presidencies, outlined his manifesto's housing policy. The policy includes provisions for housing development for all landowners and the distribution of plots or flats to all citizens upon turning 18 years of age, among other pledges.
Dr. Muizzu assured that his government would provide assistance to all recipients of the Binveriya scheme, which was launched by the current administration, in developing of their homes.
Speaking at Sunday evening’s rally, Dr. Muizzu highlighted that many landowners resort to hiring private contractors due to their inability to secure low-interest bank loans. He said that landowners do not enjoy the benefits of their own properties, as they end up leasing the plots to contractors for long-term development.
To address this, Dr. Muizzu announced a special housing fund will be established for proprietors to develop their homes.
“We will develop the buildings according to the designs and elevation of the proprietors,” Dr. Muizzu said.
The funds utilized by the government to develop the lands of proprietors will be earned back through a specialized repayment system, Dr. Muizzu added. He also said that the proprietors will receive bank loans upon completing their properties.
Speaking about his housing plan, Dr. Muizzu said each pledge on the manifesto was included after seeking professional consultation from experts and thorough research. He also assured to fulfill all the pledges in the manifesto.
“We will not pledge without the knowledge of how to achieve it,” Dr. Muizzu said.
Dr Muizzu further said that housing was a fundamental issue contributing to various socio-economic challenges. He pledged to address this concern by implementing policies in line with the strategies of former President Abdulla Yameen.
“We will provide housing to everyone in need of it regardless of small or large islands,” Dr. Muizzu said, affirming that his presidency will not discriminate among the island communities.
The PPM/PNC candidate also promised to reclaim lands from Fushidhiggaru, Giraavaru and Gulhifalhu lagoons to provide housing plots and flats for citizens. He promised to reclaim Fushidhiggaru lagoon to thrice the size of Hulhumale’ and allocated over 11,000 plots.
“Everyone will receive plots or flats from Male’,” Dr. Muizzu said.
- Allocation of 65,000 plots and flats to citizens after reclaiming lands from Gulhifalhu, Giraavaru, and Fushidhiggaru lagoons
- Development of seven mid-range urban zones in the north and south of Maldives
- Transshipment harbors in Addu City, Fuvahmulah City, Gaafu Alifu, and Gaafu Dhaalu atolls
- Guaranteed flats or plots to citizens upon turning 18 years of age
- Reduce interest rates of housing loans to five percent, and establish ‘Housing Lui Loans’
- Housing flats to the recipients who previously received property documents but were not awarded with flats or plots
Dr. Muizzu said that although their government will undertake inclusive housing initiatives, they will give special consideration to single parents and special needs citizens.
The opposition coalition's candidate also unveiled plans for providing accessible housing loans to landowners for the purpose of developing their properties. He proposed the establishment of a special development bank to facilitate these housing loans and support the overall housing development efforts.
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