710 More Housing Units to be Added to BML-Backed Projects, Spokesperson Says

Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef has announced that an additional 710 housing units will be added to the 3,260 homes already contracted through the Bank of Maldives (BML) in Hulhumalé Phases I and II and Vilimalé.

Speaking during yesterday’s edition of the Presser with the Spox series, Shareef said concept designs have been completed for all but one of the social housing projects awarded to contractors through BML. He added that physical construction is expected to begin once the remaining preparations are completed.

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Responding to questions from journalists, the spokesperson also addressed broader economic issues, saying the government takes into account the advice of financial institutions but will not slow development needed to provide essential services and basic necessities to the public.

He said the administration intends to pursue economic development alongside measures to strengthen the country’s financial position, adding that all viable opportunities for development would continue to be explored. While financial institutions are expected to carry out their respective mandates, the government would continue to adopt what he described as a measured and balanced approach.

Shareef also highlighted human development as the current administration’s most enduring legacy, describing the Maldives National Service (MNS) as a key initiative reflecting President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision.

Providing an update on the programme, he said 1,244 people applied for the first intake, with 350 completing the service and 65 completing skills training. In the second intake, 350 participants completed the programme, including 75 who completed skills training.

According to the spokesperson, the third intake received 1,785 applications, with 352 participants successfully completing the programme. Overall, 1,052 individuals have completed the Maldives National Service, while 140 have completed skills training across two batches.

Yesterday’s briefing marked the sixth edition of the Presser with the Spox series.