President Pledges New Housing Development for MNDF Personnel

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced tonight that a housing project will soon be launched in the Bandeyri Koshi area to provide housing for the families of military personnel.

Speaking as the guest of honour at a ceremony marking the 134th anniversary of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), the President said housing is a fundamental right of every Maldivian citizen and one of the government’s top policy priorities.

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He stated that after safeguarding the nation and its independence, access to basic housing is among the most important matters for Maldivians.

The President said military personnel should be guaranteed housing rights and noted that under the government’s ongoing “Housing for All” programme, 100 flats have been allocated for military personnel and another 100 for police officers.

The programme remains open for applications until the end of this month.

However, President Muizzu said the number of allocated flats was insufficient and would be increased in the future.

“Looking at it that way, I believe that the Maldivian military, who hold the highest honor in the hearts of the Maldivian people, must receive this right. There will be a specific number in the government’s currently open housing program,” he said.

The President also announced plans to redevelop Bandeyri Koshi, where military families currently reside under a policy that provides housing during active service.

He said the area had been neglected for a long period and was currently underutilised.

President Muizzu stated that the government plans to carry out a modern housing project across the entire Bandeyri Koshi area, with a target of beginning physical work within the next eight months.

According to the President, the project is intended for military and police personnel and their families, with housing arrangements to be provided for the duration of their service.

He added that military personnel currently residing in Bandeyri Koshi would be temporarily relocated once work on the project begins.

During his speech, President Muizzu also announced plans to amend regulations that impose service limitations after a fixed period within a single rank. He said the changes would allow dedicated soldiers to continue serving and advance further within the force.

The President further stated that soldiers would be given opportunities to serve in area commands located closer to where their families live.

He also said the government would amend MNDF retirement regulations so that retirement benefits reflect the length of service provided to the force.

At the ceremony, President Muizzu conferred medals and plaques, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Presidential Medal and the Long Service Medal. Awards were also presented to soldiers who earned the health and fitness ribbon, the fittest male and female soldiers for 2025, and the fittest unit.

The President also inaugurated the School of Engineering and Logistics operating under the MNDF Service Corps. Located in Kihaadhoo, the school was established to enhance the technical and academic capabilities of the MNDF.

During the address, President Muizzu also said the government had begun efforts to expand the military’s capabilities to better protect the country and its maritime territory while maintaining national identity.

He stated that the Maldives, despite its small population, has a large ocean territory that requires stronger protection and said the government is working to build long-term defence capacity for future generations.