Woman protests, claiming row houses built in GA. Villingili by MDP gov’t are being unfairly distributed by PNC-majority council

A woman has protested, claiming that the row houses built by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government in Villingili island of Gaaf Alif atoll are being unfairly distributed by the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC)-majority council.

A woman staged a solo protest outside the Villingili Council office on Thursday morning, expressing dissatisfaction with the allocation of row houses on the island.

The protestor lay on a cloth with a pillow at the entrance of the council building, shielding herself from the sun with an umbrella. During the demonstration, calls for a resignation were reportedly heard in the vicinity.

Videos circulating on social media show two police officers present at the scene, seen engaging in conversation with the woman as she remained in place outside the office.

Commenting on the situation, Villingili Council President Vishal Mohamed said the issue relates to two remaining unallocated row houses out of a total of 52 on the island.

Vishal highlighted that the previous council had decided to reclassify the row houses, changing their allocation category from residents living outside the island to those residing on the island. However, when the issue was reported to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the process was temporarily suspended.

According to Vishal, following an investigation, ACC had instructed the council to proceed with the original decision. In response, the council has formally requested the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure to reannounce the allocation, and preparations for the announcement are currently underway.

Addressing rumors circulating on the island that the two remaining row houses had been allocated to specific individuals, Vishal firmly denied the claims, emphasizing that the council remains committed to fair distribution based on merit.

He further described the ongoing protest over the matter as unfounded and without basis.