President: Recipients of housing to be selected within this year

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced on Monday that recipients of the government's housing projects will be selected and notified before the end of this year.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office, President Muizzu said housing remains the administration's highest priority. Describing housing as a matter that directly affects the lives of thousands of citizens, he assured that the selection process would be carried out transparently and without undue influence.

"God willing, any housing provided by this government will not be granted based on personal connections. I give you that assurance. Whether it is land or a flat, it will be awarded solely to those who are rightfully entitled to it," he said.

The President further stated that all information submitted by applicants will undergo a thorough verification process, with flats allocated according to the points earned by applicants in strict accordance with the established regulations. He added that the final list of recipients will be published this year, including details of the housing project and the specific unit allocated to each successful applicant.

Commenting on the progress of housing projects in the Malé region, President Muizzu said concrete foundation work for most buildings is expected to begin in July. He expressed confidence that all flats currently under development in the Greater Malé area would be completed between May and July 2028.

Addressing concerns over the integrity of the allocation process, the President said that, unlike previous practices, neither cabinet ministers nor parliamentarians would have any influence over the selection of beneficiaries.

"We are conducting this with full integrity, taking the necessary time to ensure a thorough and fair evaluation," he said.

The President also provided an update on land plot allocation projects, stating that although progress had slowed due to rising fuel costs, work has resumed. He said the government aims to complete the projects by the end of this year.

According to the Ministry of Housing, a total of 58,505 applications were submitted across three housing schemes before the application deadline.

The applications were distributed as follows:

• Aailee Boahiyaavehikan Scheme: 45,644 applications, including 35,818 for flats and 9,826 for land plots
• Goathi Gedhoru Scheme: 12,861 applications, comprising 12,749 for land plots and 112 for flats