Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib has highlighted that there have been delays in distributing plots under the ‘Binveriyaa’ land ownership scheme, and that plots of land from Gulhifalhu will be distributed in May.

Responding to questions from the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s Parliamentary Group (PG) Leader, MP for South Hithadhoo constituency Ibrahim Nazil at Monday’s sitting of the People's Majlis, Muththalib said that under the land ownership scheme, 1,407 plots from Hulhumalé, 2,438 plots from Gulhifalhu, and 5,186 plots from Giraavaru lagoon have been allocated, totaling 9,031 plots.

Regarding the plots allocated so far, Minister Muththalib said that 465 plots were handed over during the former administration, and 159 plots have been handed over during the current administration.

Acknowledging the delays in plot distribution, Muththalib said that several efforts are ongoing in the reclaimed area of Gulhifalhu, including the Villimalé Bridge project, construction of necessary sites, and storage facilities. He also said that they are now working on changes to the plan, and that plots will be handed over to the recipients from Gulhifalhu in May.

Many members of the public have been raising their voices against the government, claiming that plots allocated under the land ownership scheme and flats allocated under the ‘Gedhoruveriyaa’ home ownership scheme during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's government have been withheld. Periodic series of protests have also been held near Dharubaaruge, where the housing ministry is operating temporarily.