Six demands raised over government’s housing failures

At a public gathering held on Friday night, participants issued six key demands addressing the government’s handling of housing and land distribution, a matter that has drawn increasing frustration since President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration left office.

The gathering saw sharp criticism directed at the current government’s housing policies. As it nears the midpoint of its term, many attendees argued that the administration has failed to deliver on its promises, particularly in distributing the land plots and flats allocated under the previous government.

Despite repeated claims that this year’s budget prioritizes housing, participants said no tangible progress has been made, leaving citizens disillusioned and uncertain about when, or if, relief will come.

The six demands put forward were as follows:

1. Suspend the “Ras Malé” project at Fushidhiggaru lagoon, which cannot be linked to Malé by bridge, until the completion of the ongoing 645-hectare land reclamation under the first phase of the 850-hectare housing development planned across Hulhumalé Phase III, Giraavaru lagoon, Gulhifalhu and North Thilafushi. The original project was designed to provide housing for over 200,000 people from approximately 52,000 families, including 22,766 families who qualified under the first Binveriyaa housing scheme and an estimated 29,234 expected to qualify from the 40,594 applicants under the second phase.
2. Commence construction of the 7,000 additional flats contracted by the previous administration under an Indian Line of Credit, to provide housing for the remaining 9,763 qualified individuals. This includes the delivery of 4,000 completed flats to those who were declared eligible and had signed agreements as per the list announced on 15 November 2023.
3. Convert current rental agreements into purchase agreements for the 4,000 Fahi Dhiriulhun flats, maintaining consistency with housing policies under the previous government.
4. Freeze rent increases on the 4,000 flats contracted through the FDC during the previous administration and abolish the down payment requirement currently imposed on tenants.
5. Accelerate reclamation and infrastructure work in Hulhumalé Phase II, Giraavaru lagoon, Gulhifalhu, and North Thilafushi, ensuring plots already allocated in reclaimed areas are formally handed over and basic services are established to make these areas livable.
6. Begin immediate evaluation of the 40,594 applications submitted under the second Gedhoruveriyaa and Binveriyaa housing schemes.

The event reflected growing public anger over the government’s inaction and shifting priorities. Demonstrations over the housing issue have continued nationwide, signaling deep dissatisfaction with what many view as stalled progress and broken promises.