An agreement has been signed for the construction of housing units on the private plots of 50 residents in Kudahuvadhoo, Dhaalu Atoll, with the landowners formally handing over their plots to the Ministry of Housing for the development.
The initiative falls under a policy announced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in February last year, under which the Government committed to building housing units on individuals’ own plots in islands earmarked for housing development, should residents opt for that arrangement. The President stated at the time that those who already hold a plot of land but lack the means to build on it would be eligible to have a unit constructed by the Government on their property.
Following the announcement, several island councils opened applications for residents wishing to take part in the scheme.
Project Details
The Ministry of Housing said the partnership agreement signed today provides for the construction of 50 housing units on residents’ private plots in Kudahuvadhoo, in line with the Government’s broader housing policy.
According to the Ministry, the project will be carried out under a contractor finance arrangement and will deliver three-bedroom housing units measuring 900 square feet each. The contract for the project was awarded to Flexilink Private Limited on 6 November last year.
Government’s Approach to Island Housing
During a visit to Dhaalu Atoll last year, President Muizzu said in Meedhoo that while the housing unit programme is structured as a flat development scheme, residents would be given the option of having homes built on their own plots if they preferred. He noted that once the number of residents opting for that arrangement is finalised, the remaining housing units would be built in a designated area on the island.
The President said he expected significant interest in the scheme, citing the difficulties some residents face in securing loans for home construction. He added that the Government has also opened access to a more accessible housing loan facility, giving residents the option of taking up financing if they wished to build independently.
According to the President, residents will have the freedom to choose the path that best suits them, whether that involves taking a loan to build their own home or entrusting the Government to construct a housing unit on their plot.
The President has previously stated that the housing shortage facing many islands across the Maldives is a pressing national concern, and has pledged that the issue will be addressed during the current presidential term.
