100 Unit Housing Scheme for Hinnavaru Included in 2026 Budget, President Announces

President Mohamed Muizzu has confirmed that the 2026 national budget will include funding for a project to develop 100 housing units on the island of Hinnavaru in Lhaviyani Atoll. 

The announcement was made during his visit to the island, where he met with residents and discussed the government’s broader plan to address its challenges in shelter and utility infrastructure.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

In his address, the President emphasised that Hinnavaru is densely populated and faces pressing housing and utility demands. As well as the new housing units, he said that the government intends to fast-track the establishment of the necessary utility systems for the reclaimed land on the island. He also announced that the prior agreement for a stalled housing project had been terminated on account of contractor delays, and that a new contractor would be appointed to resume work promptly.

After laying the foundation stone for the new branch of the Bank of Maldives in Hinnavaru—which is expected to be operational by March next year—the President said that several other development projects are either underway or have been initiated on the island. These include the construction of a new police station, council secretariat, fitness and recreation centre, a campus for the Maldives National University, a water and sewerage system on reclaimed land, and a new building for the Atoll Education Centre. He also highlighted that harbour development, the import of road equipment, and waste-management services would be accelerated.

Previous Housing Project in Hinnavaru
A major housing initiative in Hinnavaru previously began in January 2023, during the previous administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, when the foundation stone was laid for 50 row houses and 50 standard housing units on the island. The contract award had been granted to Dhonbez Private Limited in July 2022.