President assures flats and land plots for applicants on gazetted lists

Dec 6, 2023, 7:41 AM
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu briefing the press. -- Photo: President's Office

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu briefing the press. -- Photo: President's Office

All applicants included in lists gazetted by the previous government for awarding flats and land plots will be provided housing except for applicants who were deemed eligible fraudulently, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assured on Tuesday.

President Muizzu said during the election campaign that he would not take back any flats or land plots awarded by the government. Responding to questions from journalists at a press conference held at the President's Office, Muizzu said he would act as pledged and assured flats and land plots to approved applicants who did not receive registration certificates or title deeds.

"If it has been officially gazetted, then that person has got it. Some people might not have got the documents, registries might not have been made. But if the final list has been gazetted, that's a government decision. If there's a government decision, they will get it," he said.

Applicants who were deemed eligible based on fraudulent submissions with false information would be the exception, he said. Such cases would be decided by agencies such as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), he added.

However, the investigation of complaints by the relevant authority concerning the approval of applications was a completely different matter, Muizzu said.

"For example, a person complains to see if someone got [flat or land] irregularly. That is not related to this. For example, someone got enough points through deception and fraud by forging and submitting wrong information. That's a separate case," the President said.

Such cases could be investigated by the ACC and other agencies and culprits could face a criminal sentence, he said.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

Suspect arrested for repeated public nuisance escapes facility

Ahmed Fairish, a man arrested for public nuisance and harassment, has escaped from a drug treatment facility in Himmafushi. He was transferred there under police supervision following his recent arrest on October 17. Authorities are currently searching for the suspect, who has a history of criminal behavior and making death threats.

PNC secures both seats in election for LGA board

The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) won both seats in the election for the Local Government Authority board. PNC candidates Ali Ahmed and Maryam Zeena defeated their MDP rivals to represent local councils and Women’s Development Committees. The election occurred alongside the unopposed appointment of Kulhudhuffushi Mayor Mohamed Athif.

"MDP will end Rasmale' deal if it goes without consultation"

MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail warned that a future MDP government will terminate the Rasmalé project if it proceeds without public consultation. He opposes granting land to UAE’s Eagle Hills indefinitely, citing concerns over national sovereignty and the lack of acquisition costs. Fayyaz urged President Muizzu to allow for public debate.

Milestone as Thilamale Bridge connects Villimale and Gulhifalhu

The Thilamale Bridge has reached a major milestone by physically connecting Villimale and Gulhifalhu, creating a continuous link from Male'. Developed by Afcons Infrastructure, the project is now slated for completion in September 2026. Construction progressed through multiple phases despite political disputes over the project's timeline.

Sukuk or bond issue listed in budget for 2027

The government plans to issue a $175 million international bond or sukuk in 2027 to manage foreign debt, part of a $675 million three-year borrowing strategy. Despite past failures to enter the market and a "junk" credit rating, officials hope this move will ease financial pressure following a major reserve drawdown for previous repayments.

Government to deploy an AI-powered smart traffic system in Male'

The Maldives government has included an AI-powered "Smart Traffic Enforcement System" in next year’s budget to tackle congestion in Malé. Part of the "Maldives 2.0" policy, the initiative aims to modernize traffic monitoring through digitalization. The plan also includes a new data center and digital ID system to improve public services.

"President does not have authority to allow non-Muslim residency"

Former Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi argues that the President lacks the constitutional authority to grant long-term residency to non-Muslims in Rasmalé. He asserts that such sovereign power belongs solely to the people. Didi also criticized Jamiyyathul Salaf for supporting the government's plan under specific conditions.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox