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Hulhumale' 4,000 flats distribution allegation to ACC; ministry affirms proper awarding

Mohamed Rehan
02 November 2023, MVT 12:24
State Minister at MNPHI Akram Kamaluddeen
Mohamed Rehan
02 November 2023, MVT 12:24

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has received a complaint alleging potential unlawful conduct in awarding 4,000 housing units from Hulhumale' under the Gedhoruveriya scheme.

More than 20,000 people applied for the social housing scheme opened by the current government.

Ministry of National Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure (MNPHI) earlier confirmed that all 13,000 eligible applicants will be awarded flats.

Akram Kamaluddin, the State Minister of MNPHI said all applicants entitled for the in-development 4,000 housing units in Hulhumale' 2 will receive their registry documents before Sunday, next week.

The complaint filed at ACC by a member of the public highlighted the awarding procedure of previous social housing schemes. The applicants were ranked in a point-based system; with the most eligible applicants receiving the highest points.

However, the complainant said that the government has not disclosed the applicants' list, and neither was the awarding criteria or the points awarded to applicants revealed so far.

The complaint also highlights the lack of government's announcement of an awarding policy to issue the 4,000 flats from Hulhumale', and neither did the government assess living conditions of the eligible applicants.

The complaint said proper awarding of the flats amid the transitional period was unlikely while the awarding policy has been kept discreet, which would be irredeemable for the incoming government.

Meanwhile, Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) behind the development of the housing units recently said it was currently installing lifts and utility services in the buildings.

In response to the recent allegation, Akram on Thursday, November 2 said that the flats will be awarded on a point-based system and promised to publicize the list soon.

Akram also denied the allegation, and while speaking with Mihaaru News said "flats will be awarded to the applicants with the highest point. We are trying to publicize the list of recipients before November 5."

He further revealed the ministry never had plans on individually visiting the residences of every applicant to assess their living conditions in the first place, and never claimed it would survey every house.

Instead, a random survey spanning a period of two months, which was previously announced, was conducted in Male' City according to Akram.

"We are not trying to conceal or obfuscate this unlike them," Akram added.

The ministry has recently attracted criticism since it has been trying to award the flats amid the transitional period, due to which the complaint was lodged with the ACC. However, MNPHI states that it will attempt to conclude all possible initiatives that launched under the current government.

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