MDP receives "ridiculous" response to letter regarding issue of flats, land plots

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has stated that the response received to their letter submitted to the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure regarding the delay in issuing flats and land plots allocated by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's government, was ridiculous.

The main opposition party on January 7 submitted a letter to the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, expressing concerns about the delay in issuing flats and land plots allocated during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration. The letter requested a meeting with Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib and asked for details of the flat and land allocation process to be shared with the party. The response to the letter was given last week.

Sharing details of the response with RaajjeMV, former Member of Parliament for Hulhumalé constituency Ali Niyaz, said that the housing ministry’s response was barely acceptable as a response. According to Niyaz, the housing ministry’s response stated that they couldn't provide any information related to the matter as they were reviewing the list of flats again. Niyaz revealed that the previous government had finalized the allocation of 4,000 flats under the Gedhoruveriyaa scheme after thoroughly examining all necessary aspects. He said that the final list was compiled very comprehensively, including opening it up for public complaints at various stages. Therefore, Niyaz stated that there shouldn't be anything further for the current administration to review regarding the matter. Niyaz characterized this as an attempt by the government to delay the issuance of land plots and flats by making excuses.

MDP has stated that the flats and land plots allocated by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration should be issued within the coming months. The party has also warned that they will take direct action if the land and flats are not issued. In addition to this, MDP has called for the government to take responsibility for the case where attempts were made to allocate a plot in Hulhumalé Phase II to the brother of Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed, the former Managing Director of Housing Development Corporation (HDC), using forged documents.

The government most recently stated that the flat list will be published before the upcoming fasting month of Ramadan. However, the public continues to question whether the promise will be fulfilled.