President Muizzu Vows Record-Breaking Housing Delivery to Address National Crisis

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has pledged that his administration will provide housing for the highest number of citizens in Maldivian history, aiming to dismantle a long-standing social crisis characterized by overcrowding and domestic instability. Addressing a gathering of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), the President highlighted the dire nature of the housing shortage. He noted that overcrowded living conditions—where multiple generations often share limited space—have contributed to increased household tensions and social instability across the archipelago. President Muizzu criticized the historical trend of "election-cycle housing," alleging that previous administrations frequently launched projects shortly before polls to gain political leverage. He argued that this pattern left many developments incomplete and delayed the handover of homes to the families who desperately needed them. Drawing on his own experience as a former cabinet minister, the President recalled his efforts to expedite the distribution of the "Hiyaa" housing flats. He stated that despite his repeated appeals to determine recipients and finalize handovers within the government's term, a lack of policy direction at the time prevented the process from being completed as intended. Under the current administration, housing has been treated as a primary priority since day one. The government is currently focusing on a three-pronged strategy: completing unfinished flats left by previous governments, executing land reclamation for housing plots in lagoons and reef areas, and initiating the construction of several thousand new apartment units. Beyond the capital, the President confirmed that numerous housing projects are currently underway across various islands. With several more projects scheduled to break ground this year, the administration aims to shift the national narrative from temporary political promises to tangible, permanent residency for thousands of citizens.