More Than 18,000 Applications Submitted for Flats and Land, Says Minister

The Minister of Housing, Dr Abdulla Muththalib, has stated that a total of 18,036 applications, including forms currently in draft, have been submitted for flats and land plots under the government’s housing programmes.

The figures were disclosed during a press conference held at the President’s Office. According to the data presented, 2,513 forms have been submitted requesting land, while a further 2,851 applications remain in draft form. For flats, 3,396 forms have been submitted and 8,466 remain in draft.

In addition, 953 forms have been submitted under a special category for individuals who previously received documentation confirming they would be allocated flats under the Veshi-fahi Malé and Hiyaa projects but did not receive them. A further 220 applications under this category are currently in draft.

Under the Ailee Boahiyavahikan programme, which opened on 18 January, 7,900 flats and 15,000 land plots measuring 1,250 square feet each were announced. The initial deadline to apply for flats was set for 17 April, while applications for land plots were scheduled to close on 4 May.

The government has since extended both deadlines until 30 May.

The allocation plan provides for 4,000 flats to be reserved for native residents of Malé, 1,500 flats for individuals from other islands currently residing in the capital, and 2,400 flats for special categories.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has previously announced that 25,000 land plots will be issued from Rasmalé, which is currently undergoing land reclamation as part of efforts to address housing needs. Of these, 15,000 plots are expected to be released in the first phase.