Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC) coalition’s presidential candidate and Malé City Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to execute the now shelved social housing initiatives of Public Service Media (PSM) and Maldives National University (MNU).
The schemes were originally announced by the former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration and would have been included under the Hiyaa social housing initiative.
However, Dr. Muizzu affirmed that if he is elected, the schemes that were put on hold by the current government will be reinstated during his presidency.
Dr. Muizzu made the affirmation while speaking with the locals of Gnaviyani atoll Fuvahmulah City. He visited the island for his campaign efforts ahead of the presidential election scheduled for September 9.
During the campaign rally in Fuvahmulah City, Dr. Muizzu emphasized that the Hiyaa social housing scheme was executed with a well-structured plan, involving the participation of various corporations during President Yameen's tenure. However, Dr. Muizzu noted that certain housing projects initiated by these corporations within the scheme have encountered delays, while some have been disregarded by the current government.
Dr. Muizzu, who was the Minister of Housing when the initiatives were first introduced, promised to resume the schemes for both MNU and PSM once again.
"Our inclusive housing policy, which does not leave anyone behind, will address the concerns of these employees. The housing project in Hulhumalé will offer housing solutions for PSM employees," Dr. Muizzu said.
While MNU shortlisted recipients who were applicable for Hiyaa housing initiative, the flats have not been developed.
“Even after MNU released its list, the housing initiative has disappeared. But I would like to assure them the housing initiative will resume once again in Hulhumalé. Everyone on the list will be awarded with flats,” Dr. Muizzu added.
Dr. Muizzu, who had been the Minister of Housing for seven years under two different presidencies, reassured his commitment to restarting the housing projects for Maldives Police Service and Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF). He also announced his intention to initiate another housing project dedicated to law enforcement and security personnel.
“It is my assurance that we will provide housing for everyone. Everyone will receive housing, and there will be no doubts about this,” Dr. Muizzu said.
Dr. Muizzu announced a mega project involving the construction of 65,000 housing units across Hulhumalé, Gulhifalhu, Giraavaru, and Fushidhiggaru lagoon. The candidate from the PPM/PNC coalition pledged to finalize this endeavor within his presidential term and to provide housing to all citizens requiring it.
"We are embarking on a voyage to rediscover the Maldives that belongs to Maldivians. In this Maldives, none of our citizens will have to plead for housing. This is an attainable goal, and if it becomes the paramount policy of our government, it can indeed be accomplished. With the blessings of God, we will demonstrate its feasibility," Dr. Muizzu said.
“We will enhance better living by guaranteeing housing.”
Dr. Muizzu further announced his government will pardon all the rent fines accrued by recipients of social housing flats, which he said were unjust.
The PPM/PNC coalition candidate claimed his vision was to revitalize the prosperity that flourished under Yameen’s presidency. Dr. Muizzu said that the citizens were dissatisfied with the present government's pace of progress.
“If you give us the chance, you will see the previous speed has returned. We will generate results and shape up the future at a faster speed,” Dr. Muizzu said.
While noting that he received one of the strongest welcomes from the islands he visited so far in his campaign visits, Dr. Muizzu made several pledges for Fuvahmulah City.
- Expansion of Fuvahmulah City harbor to boost fisheries and tourism activities
- Airport expansion project
- Modernize Fuvahmulah City hospital and introduce new services
- Office complex for government offices
- Artificial beach
- Student accommodation blocks
- Social housing project and express housing finance loans
- Modern library
- City hotel
Dr. Muizzu pledged to increase the monthly allowances granted by the government to single parents from MVR 2,000 to MVR 3,000. He also said that the allowances to single parents would be capped to four children, and will grant an allowance of MVR 3,000 per child.
He also pledged to develop a special hospital for pregnant mothers with specific facilities for labor and childbirth.
Dr. Muizzu also addressed his foreign policy, and noted that the Maldivian government will not rely exclusively on the aid of a single foreign nation. He also promised to uphold the sovereignty and independence of the Maldives and Maldivian citizens.
“We will not be fully dependent on one specific country. We would maintain strong bilateral ties with all of our allies, always placing our country's welfare, sovereignty, and independence at the forefront. Our voice will not be silenced by another nation. Any country that supports this policy will be a valued ally of ours. We need to entrust governance of our nation to leaders who will uphold our core national principles," Dr. Muizzu said.
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