President Muizzu Pledges New Loan Options to Complete Unfinished Home Construction

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government is developing new financial arrangements to help Maldivians complete housing projects that have stalled due to funding shortages. This initiative aims to support homeowners who have already begun construction but lack the capital to finish their residences. Speaking during the 'Rayyithunge Adu' public engagement programme, the President revealed that the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development is currently designing the necessary mechanisms to facilitate these loans. He noted that the framework is expected to be finalized by November, expanding the opportunities available under the government's broader effort to address the nation's housing crisis, which includes loans with interest rates capped at 5 percent. Beyond housing, the President used the forum to address several critical grievances from citizens. One resident highlighted a distressing situation regarding the allocation of Hiyaa flats, noting that despite a high points score and an initial allocation, his name was removed from the list, leaving him in difficult living circumstances while caring for a child with special needs. President Muizzu assured the citizen that efforts would be made to resolve the issue. The session also touched upon employment and retirement concerns. A senior citizen, who served over 40 years in the cold-storage sector in Kooddoo and Kandu Oiy Giri, expressed distress over the government's decision to discontinue contract employees, which ended his extended service. The President described the termination as "unfortunate," emphasizing that long-term contributions to the state must be valued. Additionally, the President addressed a case of a retired Audit Office employee who had not received monthly pension payments despite 46 years of service, and concerns from IT professionals regarding pay disparities in the new public service framework. Technical staff noted that despite holding higher ranks, their salaries often fall below those of administrative officers. President Muizzu concluded by affirming that each of these individual cases and systemic pay issues would be investigated and addressed by the relevant authorities.