Flats and land plots awarded by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government will be handed over if the main opposition party wins a majority in the upcoming parliamentary elections, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said last night, accusing the government of illegally withholding the flats and plots.
Speaking at a rally held to canvass support for Ifham Hussain, MDP candidate for Maafannu Uthuru, Solih said housing was undoubtedly the biggest problem facing the people of Male', which was why his administration awarded plots to Male' residents.
"During the last days of our government, we determined very transparently and fairly the people from Male' who would get flats and plots. Making the decision to give plots from Gulhifalhu, Giraavaru lagoon and Hulhumale' phase three had been very difficult as well," Solih said.
"We decided that first, we need to do this for the people of Male'. After that, we also arranged for long-term residents of Male' to get plots. Today all of that has been almost halted."
Withholding the flats and plots was against the law, Solih said, adding that there was no reason not to hand them over.
Stressing the importance of MDP winning a majority of the 20th People's Majlis in order to ensure that flats and plots are handed over in line with the present lists, Solih said, "If we get the Majlis majority...we will solve it in a certain period and hand over the plots and flats."
"They can't hold on to it. They can't change the list however they want. We won't allow it," Solih said.
The previous government decided to provide flats to all eligible applicants who submitted forms under the Gedhoruveriya scheme. Of the 20,697 people who applied, 15,046 applicants were deemed to be eligible.
The 4,000 flats in the first round were to be awarded to applicants eligible for three-bedroom apartments who scored above 76 marks and to applicants eligible for two-bedroom apartments who scored above 73 marks.
More than 9,000 plots of land were awarded under the 'Binveriya' scheme, including 1,351 plots in Hulhumale', 2,219 plots in Gulhifalhu and 5,433 plots in Giraavaru lagoon. The land registry for the plots were also handed over but the new government has yet to issue construction permits for the plots in Hulhumale', the only place where construction could begin at present.
The MDP must take the Majlis majority and then return to power in order to put the country back on the right course, Solih said.
