President pledges major housing allocations in final year of his term

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said that a large number of people will be given housing in the Greater Male' Region during the final year of his presidential term.

The President made the remarks during the launch of “Rayyithunge Adu”, a program designed for him to meet individuals directly. Several people who met him raised concerns about their long-standing housing difficulties.

Ali Waheed, who has lived in Male' for nearly 50 years, told the President that no government has ever declared him eligible for a social housing scheme.

“I live in a place that belongs to the company I work for,” said Ali Waheed, who has worked for Lily for more than 30 years. He said he would be homeless if he lost his job.

“My only problem is that I don't have a house anywhere in the world. Even if I leave my job tomorrow, I will be on the streets,” he said.

Another individual said he has been living in Male' since 1999 but has never received a flat or land. A couple who met the President said they have lived in Male' for more than 30 years and are entirely dependent on rent, with no home registered under their name.

The President assured all beneficiaries that the allocation of land and flats would be conducted fairly and equitably, and that eligible individuals would receive housing. He said the government is actively working to build the flats it has promised.

“By 2028, hopefully, a lot of people will get flats in this area,” he said.

The President also said he would try to provide housing to those who were not granted flats under previous social housing schemes.

The housing shortage remains one of the most serious issues in the Maldives. In the Male' area especially, many people face high rents and unstable living conditions.

Maldives’ fertility rate has also declined, with the population trending toward an older demographic. Surveys show that housing and financial instability are among the biggest reasons why families are having fewer children.

Last year’s budget allocated MVR 1.8 billion for housing projects. However, only MVR 204.5 million, just 11 percent of the allocation, was spent. The remaining 89 percent remained unused.