Housing Minister fails to recall President Muizzu's pledge to construct 40,000 housing units across the atolls.
Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed stated that he is unaware of any specific plans regarding the President's pledge to develop 40,000 housing units across the atolls, excluding the Greater Male' Area. The Minister noted that while the country's current financial situation poses challenges in securing foreign funding, the government remains committed to exploring various avenues to advance housing projects; however, physical work on these housing units in the atolls has yet to commence.
Minister of Housing, Dr. Abdulla Muththalib | Presidents Office
Despite President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to develop 40,000 housing units in islands across the country excluding Male', Housing Minister Abdulla Muththalib appeared unaware of the commitment, focusing instead on housing projects within the Greater Male' Area.
During his visit to Dh. Meedhoo on March 5, 2024, President Muizzu announced plans to develop 40,000 housing units across the Maldives over a five-year period. The President emphasized that these 40,000 housing units would be established in regions outside the Greater Male' Area.
When questioned about the matter during a press conference at the President's Office, the Minister stated that he was unaware of the origin of the 40,000 housing units figure. He noted that President Muizzu has discussed a 20-year development plan, which includes 65,000 housing units in Ras Male', alongside various other pledges for Male' and different regions across the country. The Minister further clarified that these presidential pledges are not represented by specific figures found in the official manifesto, and therefore, he could not account for the 40,000-flat figure cited by the journalist.
However, given the current circumstances, projects have faced delays. For instance, several proposals were received for the construction of 1,000 housing units in Eydhafushi, and agreements were signed on the condition that the contractors secure their own financing. However, these parties were unable to obtain the necessary funds. Given the current economic climate and the country's credit ratings, it is not easy for any party to secure financing. We have encountered similar challenges in Gulhifalhu, where an agreement was signed for the development of water, sewerage, electricity, and road infrastructure under a contractor-financing model. Since they were unable to secure the funds, we are now looking to initiate the work through the Road Development Corporation (RDC) as soon as possible. As we explore various options to begin these projects, our ability to borrow further has been significantly constrained by the state's financial position and the debt levels we inherited upon taking office.Housing Minister, Dr. Abdulla Muththalib
By the end of the Minister's remarks, no specific details had been provided regarding the President's pledges for the atolls. Furthermore, construction on housing units in the atolls has yet to commence.
The Minister further addressed the housing units being developed in the Greater Male' Area. In this regard, the Minister highlighted the housing units being constructed by BML, as well as the additional units required for the region.
