Ex-housing minister criticizes decision to dissolve ministry

Former Housing Minister, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has criticized the incumbent administration's decision to dissolve the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Thursday dissolved the ministry and merged it with the Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure to form the Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, following Aminath Athifa’s resignation as housing minister.

Criticizing the government's decision, the former minister said that this shows the administration’s lack of concern for the people’s living conditions, despite it being one of the biggest worries of the public.

Describing the governments actions as ‘acting without a plan’, Muizzu said the ministry is almost back to how it was during former President Abdulla Yameen’s tenure; which was the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure.

Noting that the ministry was divided into the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure, the former minister stressed that the latter had all the power.

He said that the change, after having a dedicated ministry for housing related issues, shows how little importance the current administration gives to shelter concerns. Stressing that this is very clear, Muizzu said that the government’s stance will be clear to the public as well.

While the housing minister resigned due to health issues, with the government reorganization, the ministry’s responsibilities have been transferred to the renamed Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, and the staff are to be transferred there as well.