Housing Policy designed for those without own housing: Minister

Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib stated that the government's 'Boahiyaavahikan Enmenah' [Housing For All] policy is designed for persons who do not possess their own housing at all. 

Muththalib made these remarks while speaking at the ceremony held at the conference hall in Dharumavantha Hospital last night to launch the Housing For All policy. 

He stated that the key drivers of this policy are 'Accessibility and Affordability', adding that this is the first such housing policy in the country. 

"God willing, this policy will empower citizens, is fair and equitable, and will establish social justice," he stated. 

The minister said that the purpose of this policy is not to allow individuals to obtain housing in their name and use it as property, but rather to ensure every Maldivian family is assured a dignified life with secure own housing. 

"The policy being announced tonight is targeted for those who do not have any housing of their own," he announced. 

"For those who have to move from house to house on rent. For families with small children who have never experienced having their own housing. Families who have to spend their hard-earned income all on rent."

Muththalib said that prioritizing those who do not possess their own housing is the equitability that this administration believes in. 

"Our responsibility is to prioritize those who do not have any housing of their own. Helping those who do not have their own housing is fairness, that is justice. That is the leadership of a just leader," Muththalib stated. 

The minister said that housing programs run by previous administrations leave room for questions to raised about its equitability. This has led to decreased public trust in such programs, he conceded. 

Muththalib assured that this housing policy, however, would bring an end to the housing troubles faced by citizens, and will make their hopes a reality, ensuring own housing is guaranteed for every citizen. 

The policy launched last night outlined guidelines for how flats and land plots would be issued in the Male' region. 

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced last week that under this government's housing policy, 15,000 land plots and 7,500 flats would be issued from the Male' region.