President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has revealed the budget for regional housing development projects in 2022 would be earmarked at USD 97 million.
The President made the remarks while speaking at the ceremony held at Rasdhoo, Alifu Alifu Atoll, to conclude the campaign activities of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for the upcoming Local Council Elections (LCE) and the Women's Development Committee Elections (WDCE).
President Solih stated the government is also planning to initiate a special loan scheme aimed at alleviating the housing struggles faced by residents living outside the central area. He noted the loans would be ideal for individuals who require assistance to reinitiate or expedite housing developments halted due to financial difficulties.
Speaking further, the President outlined the housing development projects planned for the central area as well. He noted that in order to fully actualise decentralisation in the Maldives, the current limitations of housing in Male’ City would need to be addressed. He said there are currently 5,000 housing units, in different stages of construction, allotted for registered residents of Male’ City, with plans to increase the number to 13,000 housing units.