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Housing applications for second phase will not be cancelled: President-elect

President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that he will not cancel the applications for the second phase of the Binveriya and Gedhoruveriya housing schemes. He made the remark following the government's announcement that the list of recipients for the second phase of the housing schemes will not be determined during the current term.

The second phase involves the provision of 4,000 land plots and 6,000 flats in the Greater Male' Region. Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure stated that 19,347 individuals have submitted applications for land plots under the Binveriya scheme, while 21,247 submitted applications for flats under the Gedhoruveriya scheme before the deadline. A total of 40,594 applications were submitted for both schemes.

During a meeting with the residents of Hulhumale' Phase 1, President-elect Muizzu said that citizens should never have to bear the brunt of any issue. He expressed his commitment to continue ongoing housing projects and vowed to publish the final list of flat and land plot recipients. He assured citizens that there would be no need to resubmit their application, adding that he would ensure that housing initiatives are conducted more fairly and efficiently.

Additionally, President-elect Muizzu said that guaranteeing housing for all citizens is one of the most important policies of his administration, adding that 65,000 individuals will be provided with housing in the Greater Male' Region alone. He highlighted that the Fushidhiggaru Falhu reclamation is his largest project and that he will commence fieldwork within the first few months of his administration. Muizzu has pledged to reclaim 1,280 hectares in Fushidhiggaru Falhu and allocate 11,000 land plots and 26,000 flats from the area, which would be connected via a bridge and the high-speed ferry service.

As such, President-elect Muizzu said that he will complete the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and begin reclamation within two to three months. He explained that 1,280 hectares is three times larger than the first two phases of Hulhumale' and assured that the entire area will be reclaimed in one year. He added that the island will be developed as a safe and environmentally friendly hub.