Gov’t Begins Distribution of Land Plots in Gulhifalhu Under Binnveriyaa Scheme
Government has begun distributing land plots in Gulhifalhu under the Binnveriyaa housing scheme | Photo: Ministry
The government has commenced the distribution of land plots in Gulhifalhu, Kaafu Atoll, under the Binnveriyaa housing scheme that was first introduced during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration.
The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure began clearing and marking boundaries for the allotted plots on 3 September. On Sunday, Housing Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib confirmed that the handover process had started. He stated that additional plots currently occupied by contractors for ongoing construction projects will also be handed over once vacated.
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According to the Construction Ministry, 1,260 individuals have received land registrations since the process was launched on 12 July last year. Registrations are being issued at the former Housing Ministry building in Male’, in the section previously used by the city council.
The Gulhifalhu development project began in July 2024, with dredging work awarded to Boskalis of the Netherlands for USD 120 million (MVR 2 billion). While the previous government oversaw the initial draw for recipients, the current administration has since revised the land use plan twice. Registrations are now being issued based on a re-draw held on 30 May this year under the updated plan.
The interim government also amended the initial agreement, stating that its preparation under the former administration contained legal flaws. The original policy required recipients to relinquish state-owned plots smaller than 600 square feet in Male’, but a subsequent proposal sought to extend this requirement to all land owned in the Maldives. This raised concerns, as the change conflicted with Article 11 of the Land Act. Minister Muthalib explained that the agreement had been corrected to reflect the law.
The amendment sparked opposition from the Gulhifalhu Rayyithunge Union, which threatened legal action. In response, the Housing Minister clarified that the original agreement would remain valid, with a supplementary document issued to address changes in plot numbering and to accelerate the allotment process.
