Minister caught lying; no consultation when changing Gulhifalhu LUP

Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib has claimed that recent changes to the Gulhifalhu Land Use Plan (LUP) were shared and discussed with the association representing land recipients. However, the association has publicly refuted this, stating that no consultation or communication took place regarding the amendments.

Taking to social media platform ‘X’, Muththalib stated that the Gulhifalhu LUP was first announced on 24 August 2023. As the plan lacked important components needed in a residential area, it was amended, and a new plan was announced on 27 October 2024. He highlighted that the new plan included plots in the area designated for further reclamation by the government, and a lottery was held for plot allocation.

However, Muththalib acknowledged that some recipients of plots under the August 2023 Gulhifalhu Land Use Plan were allocated land in areas that had been designated for reclamation but had not yet been reclaimed at the time. He explained that since registration documents had already been issued under the August 2023 plan, it has become challenging to process registrations under the revised October 2024 plan, particularly because some of the newly allocated plots fall within unreclaimed zones.

The housing minister went on to note that as the president's policy is to issue plot registrations as quickly as possible, it was decided to allocate all Gulhifalhu plots from the reclaimed area. The plan was changed and gazetted accordingly, with commercial, institutional and other such land uses moved to the area designated for reclamation. He said this change was shared and consulted with the association representing Gulhifalhu plot recipients.

The Gulhifalhu Citizens Association has accused Muththalib of lying about having consulted them on recent changes to the Gulhifalhu Land Use Plan. According to the association, the minister merely announced the finalized plan after it was gazetted, stating, “This is how it is, it’s done.” They further called on the minister to take responsibility and respond to their attempts to reach him, rather than shifting blame onto the association.

Gulhifalhu is set to have 3,670 plots, including 1,337 plots relocated from Giraavaru Lagoon. The latest amendment to the Gulhifalhu Land Use Plan saw the addition of 90 more plots.

The housing ministry revealed that they would hold a lottery during May and start issuing plot registrations. Plots will be handed over to owners as soon as the survey is completed. The ministry went on to state that this change was made to address plot recipients' biggest concern of expediting the issuance of registrations and handover of plots.

The government has made changes to the Gulhifalhu Land Use Plan, reallocated plots, conducted a lottery, and made key decisions without consulting the recipients of those plots. Further, officials have yet to disclose how they plan to manage the allocations. Housing Minister Muththalib has also stated that he will not respond to calls or meet with concerned citizens.