The government of Maldives has revealed the rent for the housing units distributed under its affordable housing scheme.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Housing Minister Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced that the flat winners are required to pay a sum of MVR 25,000 as a down payment, and a rent of MVR 6,000 per month, for 25 years.

However, the Minister noted that the recipients will not be allowed to lease their units, adding that the housing units were awarded "to those who need them the most".

He added that the Ministry will be checking up on whether those who were awarded the units are actually residing there.

The Ministry received immense criticism from the public and opposition, after deciding to just release the code numbers of winners, instead of their names.

According to the Ministry, it decided not include the 'personal information' of the recipients to protect their rights.

While the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Parliament's government oversight continue to investigate the case, the Ministry, on Tuesday, released the final list of flat winners.

661 flat winners, from Categories 1 and 2, were chosen from the over 15,000 applicants that sought to purchase flats in Hulhumale'.