The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has announced that a significant portion of the initial 4,000 flats allocated under the Gedhoruveriya Housing Scheme were given to ineligible recipients.
During a press conference, the ACC revealed that only 20.7% of the application forms were deemed issue-free. Following the release of the list of 4,000 flat recipients, numerous complaints were submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Land, and Urban Development and the ACC. As such, the ACC initially ordered the suspension of the flat handover in response to these complaints. However, the order has since been terminated.
The ACC conducted a thorough examination of 4,048 application forms related to the case. The investigation disclosed that 59.6% of the forms were ineligible but were declared eligible by the housing ministry at the time. In addition, 19.7% of the forms were deemed eligible but faced other issues, while only 20.7% were identified as issue-free.
The ACC uncovered discrepancies in the awarding of points, with several forms containing conflicting information. Some applicants also failed to provide documentation proving 15 years of residency in Male' City.
The ACC highlighted non-uniform adherence to regulations in determining conditions as incomplete and in awarding points. State agencies and submitted information granted points in some categories, even when they did not meet the criteria. The investigation also suggested a potential infringement on the rights of numerous individuals.
Despite initially instructing the housing ministry to suspend flat handovers, the ACC has now revoked the directive. The ACC expressed its readiness to offer assistance to the ministry if required in addressing the issues identified.