Majlis rejects emergency motion on delay in Gedhoruveriyaa flats handover

The Speaker of the People’s Majlis has declined to allow the submission of an emergency motion concerning the delay in handing over the first 4,000 flats built under the ‘Gedhoruveriyaa’ housing scheme, initiated by the previous Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration.

The emergency motion, submitted by MP for North Galolhu constituency Mohamed Ibrahim, sought to initiate a parliamentary debate on the delay in handing over flats to designated recipients, despite the beneficiaries already being selected.

Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla, who was presiding over the sitting, stated that this emergency motion does not pertain to an issue that occurred within the past seven days. He also said that it is not a matter that arose suddenly. Therefore, Abdul Raheem Abdulla decided not to accept it as an emergency motion.

In the emergency motion submitted, it was stated that the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives stipulates that the state should work to facilitate ways for citizens to obtain their rights to the extent of the state's resources and capabilities. It also mentioned that the right to housing and the right to a clean and healthy living environment are guaranteed by the Constitution.

The lawmaker stressed that if the handover of the flats continues to be delayed, instead of improving the living conditions of these families, their situation would worsen day by day, resulting in increased social issues.

The motion stated that holding the government accountable for such matters is a constitutional duty as specified in Article 70 (b) (3) of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives.

He also said that the issues mentioned in the motion are of great concern to the public and directly related to the general interest of society.

Given this, the motion mentioned that under the ‘Gedhoruveriyaa’ scheme initiated by the MDP government to address the housing problem in the Greater Malé Region, the construction of the first 4,000 flats was assigned to Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) under the ‘Gedhoruveriyaa’ scheme.

He also noted that the government had determined the recipients of these flats, announced the lists in the Government Gazette, and signed agreements with these parties for flat allocation.

The lawmaker stated that the previous government had incorrectly determined the recipients of these flats and that the current government had been delaying the process for many days, claiming to re-evaluate the forms. On May 25, the Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, stated that they would follow the list published by the previous government on 15 November 2023, for the distribution of the 4,000 flats.

Further, the lawmaker stressed in the emergency motion that it has become clear to the public that even the current government acknowledges that the previous government did not make any mistakes in the matter.

He further noted that during his presidential campaign, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu repeatedly pledged not to revoke any flats allocated by the previous government, assuring that all designated recipients would receive their flats, and in a more complete and improved manner than originally provided.

However, the motion highlighted that the recipients of the flats are expressing extreme concern as the government has not carried out any work towards handing over the flats to date.

The motion also noted that this is a crucial matter connected to the lives of many citizens, and that the lack of housing is the root cause of many social issues, including youth turning to drug abuse, leaning towards criminal environments, and various other social problems.