MNDF begins efforts to address concerns ahead of Bandeyrikoshi housing project

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has announced that it has begun efforts to address the concerns of those currently residing in the Bandeyrikoshi area and to find solutions by sharing information on how the project will proceed before vacating Bandeyrikoshi 1 and 2. These areas are to be redeveloped to provide housing for military and police personnel during their service period. In a statement, the MNDF said that since military and police personnel often spend long periods away from their families, improving and developing the allowances provided to the military and welfare services is a matter that President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Dr. Mohamed Muizzu pays special attention to. President Muizzu announced on Armed Forces Day this year that a housing project would be launched specifically for the military. On the occasion of the 134th anniversary of the Armed Forces, the President stated that housing is a fundamental right of every Maldivian citizen and the most basic right one deserves as a Maldivian. He also said that a housing project would be initiated very soon in the Bandeyrikoshi area. The MNDF said it is working to build many apartments so that as many military and police personnel as possible can get housing during their service period by redeveloping Bandeyrikoshi 1 and 2, where temporary housing has been provided for them. "The project is planned to be implemented in phases to minimize the difficulties that the parties currently living in this place will face in vacating Bandeyrikoshi to proceed with this project," the statement said. It was decided that Bandeyrikoshi 1 would be developed first, requiring efforts to vacate the apartments currently given temporarily to military and police personnel from there. The MNDF said it is making efforts to share information about the planned project, listen to concerns, and find solutions for these parties. According to the statement, the plan is to relocate people currently living in Bandeyrikoshi 1 to the newly developed apartments as Bandeyrikoshi 1 is developed. The MNDF stated that when the project is completed, it will open up a path for many military and police personnel on service, in addition to the parties currently living in Bandeyrikoshi, to get housing.