Infuriated public seeks answers from ministry over flat list removal, ministry fails to respond

Several individuals have gathered and expressed dissatisfaction at the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure after numerous individuals were removed from the list of those awarded flats under the ‘Gedhoruveriyaa’ scheme.

A large number of members of the public gathered at the ministry on Monday morning.

They called for clarification on what basis the list was publicized, stating that the government has not handled the flat issue properly and that many people who previously met the criteria have now been deemed ineligible.

The people who gathered regarding the issue said that Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib needs to be held accountable, and that despite requesting a meeting, they were not given the opportunity. They also said that while one month has been given to submit complaints, no documents can be submitted to prove eligibility, and that this procedure is inconsistent.

In addition to this, some individuals have also requested clarification on the method of reducing points for their children, stating that some people were deemed ineligible after points were deducted for children.

This is another disappointment given during Ramadan. We waited until 12:30. But the ministry officials couldn't even give a satisfactory answer. We are saying to give us the opportunity to respond and prove it. They are saying we haven't lived in Malé for 15 years. The documents submitted earlier are also invalid. Now this time we should just write that we lived in Malé for more than 15 years to respond. That's what they are saying to do. So how can this procedure be fair? They can't even answer our questions."

A member of the public who expressed concern over the flat issue

According to videos circulating on social media, many people were waiting in the reception area of the temporary Housing Ministry set up at Dharubaaruge. While officers of the Maldives Police Service (MPS) were also present there, a political official from the ministry was seen responding to them. The official also said that work is being done to look into public complaints.

Out of the people included in the list announced to receive flats under the Gedhoruveriyaa scheme carried out by the former administration, 1,820 people will receive flats. The list revealing that 3,119 people will not receive flats was publicized on 27 February 2025.

While the current government is withholding flats allocated by the former administration, it has been over a year since members of the public have been protesting over the flat issue. Although the flat list was withheld saying flats would be allocated fairly and re-evaluation work was ongoing, the living conditions of those receiving flats have not been considered. The current administration has also increased rent to MVR 8,000 for two-bedroom and MVR 10,500 for three-bedroom apartments. The announcement by the previous government stated MVR 5,000 for a two-bedroom apartment plus MVR 1,000 for maintenance fee, and MVR 7,000 for a three-bedroom apartment plus MVR 1,000 for maintenance fee.