Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has disclosed that over 7,500 individuals have submitted complaints regarding the final list of recipients for the first round of the Gedhoruveriya Housing Scheme. The ministry opened for submitting complaints until 0000hrs on November 9 regarding the final list of flat recipients for the 4,000 flats under development in Hulhumale' Phase II.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister of State for National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Akram Kamaluddeen said that 7,521 complaints were received before the deadline. He said that efforts are underway to address the complaints, with completion expected in the near future. He, however, did not elaborate further on the nature of the complaints submitted by the public.
Out of the 20,697 individuals that applied for the Gedhoruveriya scheme, more than 13,000 were deemed eligible for flats. The planning ministry released the final list, establishing the allocation order for the 4,000 flats. As such, priority was given to individuals scoring above 76 marks for three-bedroom flats and above 73 marks for two-bedroom flats.
A crowd gathered at the planning ministry to protest the housing scheme after the publication of the list. They accused the ministry of awarding points without considering the living conditions of the applicants. The ministry stated that the list was formulated based on the information on the applications, adding that officials had visited the homes of some applicants.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is currently conducting an investigation into the matter in response to public complaints and allegations.