The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure has announced that new registrations and agreements for Gulhifalhu ‘Binveriyaa’ plots will begin to be issued on Monday.

The housing ministry stated that due to changes in the Gulhifalhu Land Use Plan, which resulted in the relocation of plots allocated under the ‘Binveriyaa’ landowner scheme in Gulhifalhu, they have begun the process of issuing new "Bandaara Land Agreements" and "Bandaara Land Registrations".

The ministry stated that while appointments can be scheduled through the "Hiyaavehi Portal" starting from July 1, the distribution of agreements and registrations will commence on Monday, July 7, from 9:30am onwards.

Following the new Gulhifalhu Land Use Plan and the subsequent relocation of plots, a lottery was held on May 30, in the Usfasgandu area. The ministry stated that as a result of these changes, previously issued "Bandaara Land Registrations" have been invalidated, and the previously signed "Bandaara Land Agreements" have been nullified.

To schedule an appointment for receiving the new registration and agreement through the "Hiyaavehi Portal", applicants must submit the following documents: a copy of the ID card of one person who will sign as a witness on the new "Bandaara Land Agreement", a Power of Attorney (available on the "Hiyaavehi Portal") if someone else is being sent on behalf of the plot recipients along with a copy of the representative's ID card (notarized Power of Attorney and notary certificate will be accepted), a copy of the previously signed "Bandaara Land Agreement" between the ministry and the plot recipient, and a copy of the "Bandaara Land Registration" previously issued by the ministry to the plot recipient.

In addition to this, applicants have been instructed to bring the original documents when coming to the ministry at the appointed date and time.

These include the original Maldivian National Identity Card of the plot recipients, the original Power of Attorney and the original ID card of the person authorized by the Power of Attorney (if applicable), the original of the previously signed "Bandaara Land Agreement" between the ministry and the plot recipient, and the original of the "Bandaara Land Registration" previously issued by the ministry to the plot recipient.

The ministry further stated that those who arrive more than five minutes late for their appointment or those who fail to bring all the required documents will have their appointments canceled. In such cases, they will have the opportunity to request a new appointment for a different date and time. The ministry also highlighted that appointment details, including time and location, will be communicated to successful applicants via the "Hiyaavehi Portal" and SMS.

While the issuance of new registrations and agreements for Gulhifalhu ‘Binveriyaa’ plots has begun, the changes to the Gulhifalhu Land Use Plan (LUP) have faced criticism from several members of the public. The Malé City Residents Association has stated that the current government lacks the capability to allocate plots on reclaimed land and that the LUP is merely a nuisance imposed on the public.

3,670 plots are set to be allocated from Gulhifalhu, including 1,337 plots transferred from Giravaru Falhu to Gulhifalhu. The most recent change to the Gulhifalhu Land Use Plan added 90 plots. The purpose of these additional plots remains unclear.