MDP calls for original Gedhoruveriyaa rent rates, alleges corruption in flat allocation

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has called on recipients of the 4,000 flats built under its Gedhoruveriyaa housing scheme to pay the original rent rates set by the previous administration, rejecting the revised charges introduced by the current government.

Under the MDP administration, rent for a three-bedroom flat was set at MVR 8,000 per month and MVR 6,000 for a two-bedroom flat, inclusive of maintenance fees. However, the current government has revised the rates to MVR 9,000 for three-bedroom flats and MVR 7,000 for two-bedroom flats, with additional monthly maintenance fees of MVR 1,500 and MVR 1,000 respectively. A security deposit of MVR 25,000 is now required for three-bedroom units and MVR 15,000 for two-bedroom units.

Fahi Union, the advocacy group for flat recipients, has also voiced concern over the increased rent and down payments, alleging unfair distribution of flats. They claim the new model resembles a real estate scheme rather than a social housing initiative, with ownership granted only after 25 years of rent payments.

On Wednesday, the MDP filed an emergency motion in Parliament, alleging that the flat recipient list had been altered and that flats were being allocated in exchange for bribes. However, Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdullah rejected the motion, citing Article 197 of the Rules of Procedure, which requires emergency issues to be based on verified facts. He stated that Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, who submitted the motion, had not substantiated the claims.

At a press conference after, Mauroof accused the government of violating its housing promises and urged flat owners to pay the previously agreed rent. “We will ensure that the MVR 25,000 goes to the flat owners,” he said.

South Hithadhoo MP and MDP PG leader Ibrahim Nazil criticized President Dr Mohamed Muizzu for failing to deliver on campaign promises, noting that the flats have not been handed over despite two years in office.

“This is why people have to take to the streets. The economy is declining in the islands, and incomes are falling,” Nazil said.

The original list of flat recipients was published by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration on November 4, 2023, followed by a permanent list on November 15. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) halted the handover, citing irregularities intended to benefit specific groups.

In February, the Housing Ministry announced that only 1,820 applicants were eligible for the 4,000 flats, invalidating the points awarded to 53 percent of recipients in the previous list. Although a new list was issued, the ministry later stated that flats would be allocated based on the original list compiled by the previous government.