Male’ Mayor Raises Concerns Over Housing Ministry’s Flat Allocation Review
Photo: Malé City Council
Male’ City Mayor Adam Azim has expressed concern over the Housing Ministry’s ongoing review of the flat allocation list, citing the exclusion of the Male’ City Council from the process.
The review was launched by the Housing Ministry to reassess a list of 4,000 housing recipients announced by the previous government. This move has caused unease among officials and residents, raising questions about transparency and fairness.
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Mayor Azim highlighted that the review could deepen public dissatisfaction and mistrust. He noted that flats originally intended for long-waiting applicants were reportedly being reassigned to individuals who may not qualify. He warned that changes made without transparency could heighten public suspicion.
Azim’s main concern focused on the lack of Male’ City Council involvement in the review. He criticised the composition of the review committee, which comprises appointed members without representation from the city’s elected body. He argued that this exclusion compromises the accountability and legitimacy of the process, as decisions affecting residents are being made without input from their representatives.
The controversy stems from the previous administration’s announcement of a 4,000-recipient list, which was subsequently scrutinised by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Following the government transition, the ACC ordered a suspension of the flat allocation process due to concerns over the fairness of eligibility criteria—specifically, whether applicants had lived in Male’ for at least 15 years.
Housing and Infrastructure Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib addressed the issue at a press conference, affirming the ministry’s commitment to a thorough review. He pledged to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all applicants, aiming to finalise the allocation list before Ramadan. The minister acknowledged discrepancies in the initial process and assured that the government would resolve these issues.
