Indications grow that Muizzu gov’t may reclaim plots distributed to Malé residents by former administration
PNC's PG Falah calls for reclaiming land plots distributed under the Binveriyaa scheme with compensation for existing structures
PNC PG leader Ibrahim Falah speaking at a parliamentary sitting
Parliamentary Group Leader of the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) and MP for Inguraidhoo constituency Ibrahim Falah has stated that land plots allocated to citizens in the Greater Malé Region (GMR) under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration should be reclaimed by the state.
Speaking during Tuesday’s parliamentary sitting, Falah said the plots distributed through the ‘Binveriyaa’ land owner scheme across Hulhumalé, Gulhifalhu, and Giraavaru Lagoon should be taken back. He added that if boundary walls or houses have been constructed on these lands, compensation should be provided for those structures before the state reclaims the plots.
While calling for the repossession of these lands, Falah stressed that even individuals who have built boundary walls on their allotted plots should not be exempt from the process.
The remarks add to growing public concern that the Muizzu administration may be preparing to reverse key housing initiatives of the previous government. Since taking office, officials from the current government have delivered inconsistent statements, at times claiming that the plots issued under the Binveriyaa scheme were not legitimate allocations, while at other times assuring that recipients’ rights would remain protected.
Citizens have repeatedly voiced frustration over these conflicting messages.
When President Solih’s administration left office, land reclamation was already underway in all areas designated for Binveriyaa plots. Much of that work had been completed before the current government halted the projects and instead launched the Fushidhiggaru Lagoon housing initiative, branded ‘Ras Malé,’ on 18 December 2023. However, progress on that project has also stalled. Following mounting public criticism, reclamation work has since resumed in Gulhifalhu, Giraavaru Lagoon, and Hulhumalé Phase III.
These developments appear to contrast with President Muizzu’s earlier pledge, made during his campaign and after taking office, that he would not seize any flat or plot granted by any government.
