HRCM meets Minister Haidar over flat issue

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has met with Housing Minister Dr. Haidar Ali over the issue of flats issued by the former administration under its ‘Gedhoruveriya’ housing scheme.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) said the 4,000 housing units were awarded wrongly following an investigation into the permanent list of flat recipients under the ‘Gedhoruveriya’ scheme.

Prior to this, HRCM confirmed receiving various complaints claiming infringement of the rights of people over ‘Gedhoruveriya’ housing scheme and henceforth, was reviewing the case from the perspective of human rights.

The Commission, on Thursday, said they gathered information regarding the case they are reviewing with respect to the ‘Gedhoruveriya’ housing scheme and in this trajectory, have gathered the updates of the work presently underway with respect to the project from the Housing Ministry.

Citing the Housing Ministry, HRCM said the Ministry, in collaboration with relevant authorities, was working hard to find a solution to the issue as it involves the concern of many members of the public.

The Commission expressed hope for a quick resolution of the issue involving the concern of many.

The government has come under mounting pressure over the delay in the handover of the land under the ‘Binveriya’ scheme and flats under the ‘Gedhoruveriya’ scheme – two housing schemes launched by the last administration.

The delays also saw multiple protests in Male’ City.

Moreover, a petition has been filed with the Parliament urging not to revoke the former administration’s list of flat recipients which is now being reviewed by the Parliament’s Petition Committee.

The government has reiterated on multiple occasions that land plots and flats will be handed over to its rightful recipients.