Bandeyri Koshi Development to Prioritise Housing for Soldiers and Police

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has announced that the development of Bandeyri Koshi 1 and 2 will be carried out in a manner that provides housing accommodation for as many soldiers and police officers as possible. In a statement issued today, MNDF said that President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, gives special attention to improving allowances and welfare services for soldiers, who spend much of their time in national service day and night away from their families. The Ministry of Defence and MNDF are giving special importance to developing housing required by soldiers, MNDF said. It noted that the expansion of military service has led to a several-fold increase in the number of soldiers, raising the proportion seeking housing. President Muizzu announced during this year's Armed Forces Day that a housing project targeted at soldiers would be implemented, with the objective of providing appropriate housing for soldiers and their families, according to MNDF. "In this regard, efforts are underway to build numerous apartments so that temporary housing provided to soldiers and police at Bandeyri Koshi 1 and 2 can be redeveloped to allow as many soldiers and police officers as possible to receive housing during their service period," MNDF said. To proceed with the project, Bandeyri Koshi needs to be vacated. MNDF said steps have been divided into phases to minimise difficulties for those currently residing there. Preparations for the initial development of Bandeyri Koshi 1 are being carried out by the Ministry of Defence and MNDF. Before vacating the apartments at Bandeyri Koshi 1 used for temporary residence, MNDF said efforts are being made to share information with residents about the planned project approach, listen to their concerns, and find solutions. The plan involves relocating current residents to newly developed apartments upon completion of Bandeyri Koshi 1, after which opportunities will open up for many serving soldiers and police officers to receive housing. MNDF also stated that the President's goal is to provide citizens with the level of service rendered by soldiers in countries with fully developed and advanced resources by 2040.