HDC refuses to explain how it sells land from Hulhumale’

Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has refused to explain how it sells land from Hulhumale’.

The refusal came in response to a request filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act by North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), a lawmaker from the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

In his May request, Kudu asked seven questions regarding the sale of land from Hulhumale’, including regarding the transaction for the sale of Hulhumale’ Lot Number 11673.

The questions were:

• Was Hulhumale’ Lot Number 11673 sold directly, outside set policies, and if so, why?
• Are there designated land plots for sale in Hulhumale’?
• Is Hulhumale’ Lot Number 11673 listed in the Hulhumale’ land use plan?
• What are the policies for valuation of the land sold by HDC?
• Does the government play a role in the sale of land from Hulhumale’ by the HDC, and if so, what is the role?
• Does the HDC, being a state-owned enterprise, have a transparent mechanism for conducting land sale transactions? And if so, what is this mechanism?
• Does the HDC publicize information regarding such transactions?

HDC wrote back to Kudu’s request, declining to disclose the information, citing that it involves confidential information.