Over 37,000 Apply for Government Housing Scheme Amid Severe National Shortage

The Maldivian government has received more than 37,000 applications for its inaugural housing project, underscoring a critical shortage of residential accommodation across the nation. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, revealed that 20,000 formal applications have been submitted, with another 17,000 still in process. Speaking at a press conference at the President's Office, Minister Muththalib emphasized that the overwhelming response highlights the severity of housing deprivation, particularly in the Greater Male' region. The current initiative specifically targets the most vulnerable, restricting eligibility to couples who own neither land nor a home. The application window is scheduled to close this month. Reviewing the national housing trajectory since 2008, the Minister detailed various state-led efforts, including thousands of units funded by China's Exim Bank, Tata, and the Hiyaa project. He noted that while the current administration has initiated the construction of 3,260 flats through diverse funding sources—including the Bank of Maldives, the Saudi Fund, and an Indian Line of Credit—implementation has been slowed by the significant debt inherited by the new government. Currently, the Ministry has allocated 10,700 flats for the latest project. However, the Minister admitted that land scarcity has become a primary obstacle, stating there is no further land available for construction at this time. To combat this, the Ministry is collaborating with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to repurpose existing land for residential use. Additionally, the government is exploring public-private partnerships to accelerate delivery. Several Maldivian companies have expressed interest in constructing affordable housing at controlled prices if the state provides land and incentives. This proposal, which could add another 1,000 flats, is currently under review by the Economic Council. Development efforts are also extending to the third phase of Hulhumalé and Gulhi Falhu, where the government aims to create viable pathways for residents to establish permanent homes.