Ninth amendment bill to Maldives Land Act sent back to Majlis

The amendment bill that makes it mandatory to hand over the Plots of land allocated to recipients of land as part of the previous administration’s ‘Binveriyaa’ scheme in Hulhumalé that are yet to be handed over to its rightful recipients, within three months, has been returned to the People’s Majlis.

The amendment bill was moved by MP for South Galolhu constituency representing the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Meekail Naseem, claiming that the incumbent administration has failed to handover the plots of land allocated under the ‘Binveriyaa’ scheme, even after several days have passed since the final list of recipients was issued.

The amendment bill was passed during a sitting held in the last session of the 19th tenure of parliament, held on April 29, with the votes of 35 parliamentarians. No MPs voted against passing the bill.

The amendment bill was forwarded to the President’s Office for ratification on May 2.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu invoked Article 91(a) of the Constitution to return the Ninth Amendment Bill to the Maldives Land Act back to parliament for reconsideration on May 16.

According to the amendment, the government will have to hand over the plots of land to the rightful recipients within three months after the final list is publicized in the government gazette.

The amendment also states that land which has not been handed over by the government so far will have to be handed over within three months of ratification of the act.

The former administration of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih publicized the final list of ‘Binveriyaa’ recipients on 13 August 2023.

The government has come under fire for the massive delay in handing over the land plots promised to recipients under the ‘Binveriyaa’ scheme.

The ‘Binveriyaa’ scheme comes under the ‘Gedhoruverin’ programme launched by the former administration to address the housing crisis facing the residents of the Greater Malé Region.

The scheme is the most comprehensive housing initiative undertaken in the country so far, having reflected the former administration’s dedication to finding a solution to this pressing issue. This ambitious project aimed to provide housing to residents and improve the overall quality of life in the region.

Former president Solih revealed that 9,000 plots of land would be issued under the ‘Binveriyaa’ scheme this time round, from Hulhumalé Phase II, Phase III, Giraaravu Lagoon and Gulhifalhu.

Many of the recipients were handed over their registries then, with some having received the plots of land as well.

According to the housing ministry, 8,394 people have received their registrations by signing agreements for the plots, so far.

However, 303 recipients are yet to receive their registrations.

The government had earlier given the opportunity for those who haven’t received their registrations yet.