Public outrage grows as gov’t moves to relocate Giraavaru Lagoon plots to Ras Malé
The move has sparked accusations of betrayal and mismanagement
Public protests against challenges in housing
Widespread public anger is mounting following the government's decision to relocate plots of land originally designated from the Giraavaru Lagoon area to Fushidhiggaru Falhu, also known as Ras Malé.
The move has sparked accusations of betrayal and mismanagement, particularly from those who applied for land under the Binveriyaa Scheme with the clear expectation of receiving plots in specific, pre-announced locations.
The Malé Citizens' Association has formally expressed its concern in a letter sent to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, strongly condemning the government’s shift in land allocation policy. The letter follows public remarks made by Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib during a press conference held by the ministry on October 12, where he confirmed that a portion of the Giraavaru Lagoon plots would likely be relocated to Ras Malé due to limitations in the revised Land Use Plan (LUP).
Applicants for the Binveriyaa Scheme had submitted their forms on the basis that plots would be distributed from Hulhumalé, Gulhifalhu, and Giraavaru Lagoon. Any move to relocate these plots outside of these promised zones is now being seen as a clear breach of public trust and a fundamental change to the original terms of the scheme.
Adding to the frustration, the Malé Citizens' Association has raised the issue of delays in issuing official plot registrations for recipients who were allocated land from Giraavaru Lagoon and Hulhumalé Phase III. Despite being selected, many citizens have yet to receive the necessary documentation, leaving them in limbo.
Under the former administration, a total of 5,186 plots were earmarked for allocation from Giraavaru. However, the current government has already shifted 1,114 of those to Gulhifalhu, leaving 4,072 plots. Following adjustments to the LUP, Minister Muththalib has now revealed that only 3,462 plots can be distributed from Giraavaru, with the remaining 610 plots requiring relocation elsewhere, hence the controversial proposal to shift them to Ras Malé.
This decision has drawn sharp criticism, as it contradicts previous public assurances made by the president himself. While in opposition, he had consistently pledged to allocate plots only from previously designated areas and to respect the preferences of recipients, including their specifications on housing infrastructure.
Citizens are now accusing the government of going back on its word and using technical justifications to sidestep commitments made to thousands of hopeful applicants. The lack of transparency and the abrupt shift in policy have further eroded trust, deepening public dissatisfaction with how the Binveriyaa Scheme is being handled under the current administration.
