Suspension of HDC Board Members Lifted Amid Land Allocation Investigation
The suspension of Housing Development Corporation (HDC) board members, imposed due to an investigation into alleged irregularities in land allocation, has been lifted. The Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) announced this development following the appointment of a new Managing Director for HDC.
New Leadership at HDC
On Sunday, Mauroof Jameel, a seasoned architect and former Minister of Construction, was named Managing Director of HDC. Jameel is recognized for his instrumental role in the initial planning and development of Hulhumale’, bringing years of expertise to the position.
The PCB stated that the reinstatement of board members comes as part of efforts to ensure smooth operations under new leadership while maintaining the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
Suspension Details and Key Figures
Last Thursday, all HDC board members, except for recently appointed Chairperson Ahmed Nasif, were suspended to facilitate a police investigation into the allocation of land to individuals outside the Binveriya scheme recipient list.
At the time of the suspensions, then-Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed was also temporarily removed from his role. Fazul later submitted his resignation on Saturday.
The board members reinstated include:
- Azhan Abdulla Saeed
- Ibrahim Yoosuf Fulhu
- Mohamed Visham
- Ula Mohamed Rasheed
- Arif AbduSamad
- Mohamed Najil
- Mohamed Waheed
- Fathimath Mizna Ali
- Yoosuf Waheed
Although the suspension has been lifted, travel restrictions remain in place for all members. Their passports, along with those of 20 other individuals implicated in the investigation, are currently seized.
Ongoing Investigation and Its Scope
Authorities are investigating claims that land plots were allocated to individuals who were not eligible under the Binveriya housing scheme. Among those under scrutiny is Fazul’s brother, Ibrahim Fazeel Rasheed, who is alleged to have received land improperly.
The investigation has also led to significant changes within HDC’s workforce. Fifteen senior management staff members who served under Fazul have been dismissed in connection with the ongoing probe.
The developments at HDC, which oversees the management and development of Hulhumale’, hold significant implications for housing policies and land management in the Maldives. Ensuring transparency and accountability in land allocation remains a priority as the government seeks to address housing challenges across the nation.
This investigation underscores the importance of adhering to established protocols in land distribution, especially in programs like the Binveriya scheme designed to support fair access to housing.