President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced last night that a housing project will be commenced soon at the MNDF's Bandeyri Koshi area to provide housing for families of MNDF personnel.
Speaking at the MNDF's 134th Anniversary Celebrations held last night, President Muizzu stressed that housing is a fundamental right of every Maldivian.
He noted that this why the government places such high priority on housing policy. Beyond protecting the country and its independence, he said, ensuring basic housing is the foremost need for Maldivians.
The President said he considers housing a right that must be guaranteed for MNDF personnel, noting that this is why the current government housing programme includes a dedicated allocation for them.
The current housing programme, with the deadline set for the end of May, has an allocation of 100 flats for MNDF personnel and an additional 100 flats for Police.
The President acknowledged that these numbers are insufficient, and pledged to increase housing opportunities for MNDF personnel in future programs.
President Muizzu announced that the government is considering further developing the Bandeyri Koshi, which houses MNDF personnel and families even at present.
Bandeyri Koshi housing units are granted to MNDF personnel for the duration in which they remain in service, under set policies. However, the place has been neglected over past years, and the number of MNDF personnel and families who occupy the units have since seen a decline, the President noted.
"For a long time now, Bandeyri Koshi has remained neglected. The Housing Ministry has now begun some work there," the President stated.
President Muizzu announced that the government now intends to develop a modern housing project at the site of Bandeyri Koshi, with physical work to begin within the next 8 months.
The project aims to provide housing for Police and MNDF personnel and their families, the President said, with housing to be secured there for the duration of service.
For the duration of the project, families currently living at Bandeyri Koshi will be relocated to alternative housing, the President said.
While the President has announced this new initiative to provide housing for MNDF personnel, both MNDF and Police have dedicated apartment complexes in Hulhumale' Phase 1.
