Minister Muththalib: 976 Couples from Previous Schemes Granted Flats Under Gedhoruveriya

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Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib has revealed that 976 couples who previously received flats under earlier housing schemes have also been granted flats under the ongoing Gedhoruveriya Scheme.

Speaking at a press conference, Minister Dr Muththalib explained that current housing regulations do not provide a legal mechanism to remove such names from the list, as the law does not permit exclusions of previously allocated beneficiaries. He noted that the list of beneficiaries from the previous government’s housing programmes, formulated on 15 November 2023, is presently under review.

The Minister emphasised that repeatedly allocating flats to the same families is a policy concern, as it limits access for other eligible and deserving households. Of the 976 couples identified for repeated allocations, 645 had scored 76 marks or higher under the original assessment criteria.

Dr Muththalib stated that the Ministry had examined all possible legal avenues to reallocate the flats to new beneficiaries. Discussions were held with the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM); however, no lawful provision was identified to prevent the current allocations.

Highlighting the issue as one of social justice, the Minister described the repeated allocation of housing units to the same couples as unfair to other applicants still awaiting assistance. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that future housing distributions are conducted fairly, transparently, and in full accordance with the law.

Minister Dr Muththalib also clarified that under the current system, flats will be granted jointly to one couple only, reiterating the administration’s resolve to ensure housing support reaches those most in need.