MP seeks clarity on Pres. Muizzu's pledges on Binveriyaa scheme amid ongoing delays
Abolishing the condition requiring Malé residents to relinquish any registered land plot of 600 square feet or less when applying for state land plots or flats was a key pledge made by President Muizzu during his campaign.
As part of the handover of plots of land to recipients under the Binveriyaa scheme
MP for North Galolhu constituency Mohamed “Kudoo” Ibrahim has formally requested clarification from the government regarding the statements made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu concerning the "Binveriyaa” housing scheme during his presidential campaign.
In his letter, the opposition lawmaker raised concerns about the current policy that prevents recipients of land under the Binveriyaa scheme from transferring, privatizing, or selling their plots. He sought clarification on four specific points:
- Whether individuals who received land under the Binveriyaa scheme in Hulhumalé or other areas, and who already own land in Malé City, are allowed to engage in any transactions concerning their land, such as transferring or selling it.
- Whether individuals who received land under the Binveriyaa scheme are required to relinquish their land in Malé City, and if so, the proper procedure for doing so.
- Whether an individual who received land under the Binveriyaa scheme can gift or sell their plot in Malé City to another person.
- Given President Muizzu's statement on 18 September 2023, that the condition requiring applicants to relinquish any registered land plot of 600 square feet or less in their name when applying for state land plots or flats would be abolished, the MP sought clarification on the current stance regarding this matter.
Given President Muizzu's statement on 18 September 2023, that the condition requiring applicants to relinquish any registered land plot of 600 square feet or less in their name when applying for state land plots or flats would be abolished, the MP sought clarification on the current stance regarding this matter.
In addition to this, he pointed out that the public has reported that the Malé City Council is preventing individuals who received plots under the Binveriyaa scheme (in Hulhumalé, Gulhifalhu, or Giraavaru Lagoon) from transferring, privatizing, or selling land they currently own in Malé City.
The lawmaker referenced a letter sent by the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Urban Development to the Mayor of Malé City Council Adam Azim, which outlined the eligibility criteria for obtaining land under the Binveriyaa scheme.
The letter stated that applicants must "agree to relinquish any state land plot registered in their name within the Greater Malé Region comprising of Malé, Hulhumalé and Villingili, that is 600 square feet or less" as part of the policy.
It further clarified that applicants should not have "gifted or sold a state land plot registered in their own name within the GMR to another party."
The housing ministry also noted that if any individual who received land under the Binveriyaa scheme had engaged in transactions such as gifting, selling, or privatizing their state land plot, or their inherited share, they would no longer meet the eligibility criteria.
In such cases, the agreement with the individual could be considered void. The ministry instructed the city council to halt any such transactions involving individuals who had received land under the Binveriyaa scheme.
Abolishing the condition requiring Malé residents to relinquish any registered land plot of 600 square feet or less when applying for state land plots or flats was a key pledge made by President Muizzu during his campaign.
On 18 September 2023, he promised at a rally in the Maafannu ward of the capital, that it was unjust for individuals living in difficult circumstances on small plots across the city to be forced to give up their existing land when they receive new plots from the government.
This pledge was also highlighted in the 1,024-page book published during the 2023 presidential election campaign, which documented his speeches.
Muizzu explained that it was unfair to require people living on small plots, whether inherited or otherwise, to relinquish those plots in exchange for government-provided land or flats.
He further stated that he would ensure housing for these individuals without the need to give up their small plots, even if it required making legislative changes.
However, MP Kudoo pointed out that despite this promise, two years have passed since the current government took office, and the allocation of land plots under the Binveriyaa scheme (in Hulhumalé, Gulhifalhu, and Giraavaru Lagoon) has been delayed.
Several deadlines for this allocation have been set and missed. The lawmaker stressed that the ongoing delay has become a significant concern for many individuals who applied for and were allocated land under the scheme.
