The Ministry of Housing, Land, and Urban Development has announced that the final flat list for the Gendhoruveriya Scheme will be released by the second week of November. This news follows previous indications from Housing Minister Dr. Ali Haider, who had aimed for a publication by the end of October. However, the ministry has stated that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) requires additional time to finalize the review process.
Gendhoruveriya Scheme
The Gendhoruveriya Scheme aims to address housing needs in the Maldives, particularly for those who may not have access to affordable housing options. The current administration is conducting a thorough review of the list of applicants, sparked by allegations of corruption during the compilation of the list under the previous government. In light of these concerns, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu formed the Housing Advisory and Consultative Committees to help tackle these issues transparently.
Review Process and Committee Findings
In a recent statement, the ministry explained that the committee discovered several problems with the original list. This prompted the ministry to begin a reevaluation of all applications submitted for the scheme. “The ministry has started the re-evaluation of all application forms submitted under the scheme,” the statement read. This step is essential for ensuring that the allocation of flats is fair and based on valid eligibility criteria.
The ACC had previously halted the allocation of flats after the former administration released a permanent list of recipients just two days before former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's term ended. Following a two-month investigation, the ACC found that around 60% of the 4,000 listed recipients did not meet the eligibility requirements. Alarmingly, only 20.7% were found to be eligible without any faults, while 19.7% contained inaccuracies in their applications despite passing initial checks.
Construction Progress and Future Prospects
As part of the Gendhoruveriya Scheme, 32 towers, each standing 17 to 18 stories high, are currently under construction in Hulhumalé Phase 2. These buildings are set to include 1,200 two-room apartments and 2,800 three-room apartments, providing much-needed housing options for the community. The developer, Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC), has committed to completing all towers by mid-2025, bringing a sense of hope and progress to many aspiring homeowners.
A Step Towards Transparency
The ongoing review and reevaluation of the Gendhoruveriya Scheme are crucial for ensuring a transparent and fair housing process in the Maldives. By addressing past complaints and implementing necessary changes, the current government aims to restore public confidence in the housing allocation system. As the final flat list is prepared for release, many residents are hopeful for a more equitable distribution of housing resources in the near future.
