The government has once again failed to meet its own deadline for a key housing project, despite repeated assurances from Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib that 4,000 flats would be ready for occupancy before the end of September 2025.

The commitment was made publicly by the minister during a press conference at the President’s Office on June 19, where he stated that practical work on 1,000 flats had already been completed, and that the handover of units would begin in July. He projected that by the end of September, recipients would be able to move in and settle. However, the target has not been met.

Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) only began handing over flats on September 28, and that too in a limited capacity. The first set of keys was distributed for Tower 14 of the 16-tower Amaan Udhares project, marking a partial start rather than the full-scale completion promised.

Despite FDC’s claim that the handover process is progressing rapidly, recipients have reported delays and described the process as sluggish. Many have also noted the suspicious timing of the handover, just days before a major rally in the capital Malé City scheduled for October 3, suggesting political motivations behind the sudden initiation.

No clarification or explanation has been provided by government officials regarding the failure to meet the September deadline, raising further concerns over transparency and accountability.

The 4,000 housing units in question were developed under the previous administration, with all structural work completed and a list of eligible recipients finalized prior to the current government taking office. However, the new administration initially withheld the flats, citing ongoing investigations into the list. Over a year later, and amid mounting public pressure and legal limitations, the government reversed its stance and announced on 29 May 2025, that the flats would be distributed according to the original list.

Even so, controversy continues to surround the process. Fahi Union, a housing advocacy group, alleges that several flats have already been unfairly allocated. With the entire handover being managed through a digital portal, there has been no public disclosure of the number of people removed from the eligibility list.

Further complicating matters, it has come to light that 350 of the 4,000 flats are reportedly being earmarked for sale, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to fair and equitable distribution. Legal representatives for Fahi Union, including Lawyer Ali Hussain, have accused the government of unlawfully altering flat agreements and collecting advance payments in violation of established regulations.

Under the current terms, recipients are required to pay a deposit of MVR 15,000 for two-bedroom apartments and MVR 25,000 for three-bedroom apartments, with payment to be made in a single installment. However, no deadline for the deposit has been specified.

The monthly payments have also been fixed: MVR 8,000 for a two-bedroom unit (MVR 7,000 in rent and MVR 1,000 for maintenance) and MVR 10,500 for a three-bedroom unit (MVR 9,000 in rent and MVR 1,500 for maintenance). These rates have sparked criticism, particularly from those who argue that the financial burden contradicts the promise of affordable housing.

Despite bold pledges and repeated announcements, the government’s handling of the housing distribution has been marred by delays, lack of transparency, and ongoing legal and ethical concerns, further eroding public trust in its ability to deliver on critical infrastructure promises.