The incumbent administration prioritized land development initiatives, in order to address the housing crisis facing the citizens of Maldives, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The president made these remarks in his address to the public in commemoration of Republic Day, on Saturday morning.

The archipelago nation became a republic in 1968, after many years as a monarchy and celebrates its Republic Day on November 11 each year.

Speaking to public, President Solih stated that developing more land was a top priority for the government over the course of the past five years of his presidential term, as part of efforts to address the housing crisis facing the Maldivians, especially in the capital region and outlying atolls.

In his address the president shed light on the efforts underway to develop land across Gulhifalhu, Giraavaru Falhu, Uthuru Thila Falhu, and Hulhumalé Phase III to relieve the housing crisis.

The ‘Gedhoruverin’ programme was launched by the administration to address the housing crisis facing the residents of the Greater Malé Region. Under the programme, the administration has issued land titles to more than 6,500 of the 9,031 beneficiaries under the ‘Binveriyaa’ scheme, which comes under the ‘Gedhoruverin’ programme.

2,732 housing units have been constructed across outlying atolls, with 7,700 housing units built across the capital region to ease the housing shortage.