ACC instructs to halt issuance of flats under 'Gedhoruveriyaa' scheme

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has instructed to halt the issuance of flats under the ‘Gedhoruveriyaa’ scheme.

RaajjeMV understands that ACC has addressed a letter to the Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, instructing the authority to halt all activities related to the issuance of flats to beneficiaries of the housing scheme.

According to ACC, it has come to their attention that those who did not meet the eligibility criteria for the flats under the ‘Gedhoruveriyaa’ scheme were unfairly awarded points, and that they were investigating several complaints received on how points were awarded.

The corruption watchdog went on to note that their investigation found that points were awarded to some applicants in violation of the procedure laid down for evaluation of forms and the ministry had not verified the authenticity of the information submitted by some, where they could have done so.

Therefore, the ministry has been instructed to halt all of the proceedings of flat handover including agreement signing and the handing over of flats, until further orders are issued by the commission.

ACC’s instructions come at a time a draw was held in Hulhumalé, for the allotment of the 4,000 flats to be construction in the suburban extension of capital Malé City. The draw was held on Wednesday.

The ministry initially publicized the final list of housing flat beneficiaries under the “Gedhoruveriyaa” scheme on November 4. However, due to a surge in complaints, the list was amended and publicized on Wednesday.

The planning ministry revealed the details of flat beneficiaries as well as the recipients of the 4,000 flats under construction by ‘Fahi Dhiriulhun’ Corporation. Among those who received the 4,000 flats, only those who have scored 76 and above were to get the three-room apartments. Further, the two-room apartments will be given to those who scored 73 and above.

The monthly rent for three-room flats to be allotted under the ‘Gedhoruveriyaa’ scheme is MVR 7,000 with a repair fee of MVR 1,000 per month.

The monthly rent for two-room flats to be allotted under the ‘Gedhoruveriyaa’ scheme is set at MVR 5,000 with a repair fee of MVR 1,000 per month.

The rent collection will begin after a grace period of three months from the date the flats are handed over, are up.

Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) is currently carrying out the project of building 4,000 housing units in Hulhumalé Phase II as part of the “Gedhoruveriyaa” scheme. The planning ministry revealed that these housing units will be completed by 2024.

The 4,000 housing units are being constructed by two India-based companies.

More than 20,000 applications were received for flats under the scheme, out of which more than 13,000 met the eligibility criteria.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had earlier announced the decision to allot flats to all of the applicants who meet the eligibility criteria.