The government has announced that it will conduct a thorough verification process of the existing list of flat recipients under the Gedhoruveriyaa Housing Scheme, rather than re-evaluating all applicants from scratch.
Minister of Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure, Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, stated that the verification aims to ensure the eligibility of the listed recipients and avoid further delays in awarding the 4,000 flats in Hulhumalé.
The Gedhoruveriyaa Scheme, initiated during the previous Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration, faced setbacks and was incomplete when former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s term ended. A final list of flat recipients was released before the end of the administration, but concerns arose when the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) found that only 20% of those on the list met the eligibility criteria.
In light of the ACC’s findings, the current administration opted to verify the recipients on the gazetted list from November 15, 2023.
“The focus will be on confirming that all recipients meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the scheme’s criteria published in June 2022,” Minister Muththalib explained.
The verification process will include confirming that applicants have lived in Malé for a continuous period of at least 15 years. The Minister noted that while only six types of documents were officially recognized as proof of residency, some applicants had submitted alternative documents. These cases will also be reviewed to ensure compliance.
Additionally, the Ministry will check whether any recipients had lived outside Malé for a period exceeding 12 months at any time.
Minister Muththalib acknowledged the delay in concluding the process and expressed his apologies to applicants awaiting the final decision. He emphasized that since assuming office in November 2023, the administration has been committed to ensuring that the flats are awarded to eligible recipients as quickly and fairly as possible.
