The Maldivian government has launched a major initiative to address the country’s growing housing demand by inviting contractors to design and build over 12,000 housing units across 57 islands.
The Ministry of Finance and Planning, in collaboration with the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure (MCHI), announced the project on Wednesday, calling for bids through both Open National Competitive Bidding and International Competitive Bidding. The initiative is part of the government’s broader Public Housing Project, a key component of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to tackle the long-standing housing crisis by developing 20,000 housing units each in the northern and southern regions of the Maldives.
Project Breakdown and Eligibility
The project is divided into four categories based on the number of housing units per island, with eligibility criteria set for local and international contractors:
- Category 1: Islands requiring 50 or fewer housing units – Open exclusively to local contractors.
- Category 2: Islands with 51-150 units – Available to both local contractors and joint ventures between local and international firms.
- Category 3 & 4: Islands with 200-300 units or more – Open to international contractors without the need for a local partnership.
According to the breakdown, 18 islands will receive less than 50 housing units, 17 islands will have between 51 and 150 units, 10 islands will see 200-250 units built, and 12 islands will receive more than 300 units.
Government’s Commitment to Housing
The housing sector remains a top priority for the current administration, with USD 162.1 million allocated in the 2024 state budget for housing-related projects. Of this, USD 64.9 million has been set aside specifically for housing infrastructure.
With the latest announcement, the government aims to accelerate development, improve living conditions, and ensure more equitable access to housing across the Maldives. The project is expected to create job opportunities and spur economic growth while addressing the persistent housing shortage in the island nation.
