Former Housing Minister Akram Accuses Housing Ministry of Misleading Public Over Flat Allocations

Former State Minister of Housing Akram Kamaluddin has accused the Housing Ministry of providing misleading information about the flat allocation process under the Gedhoruveriya housing scheme.

The ministry recently stated that three-room flats from the previous government’s 4,000-flat scheme were awarded to individuals who scored 76 points. However, it acknowledged that some eligible applicants were left out, while others with 75 points received allocations. As a result, a new draw has been announced for those who scored 76 but were excluded.

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Akram, who oversaw the flat and land allocation committee during the Solih administration, said the claim was misleading. He explained that couples who applied separately and both qualified were only eligible for a single flat, with a separate list maintained for such cases. He noted that the original lottery was conducted after reserving flats for Maldives Customs Service and eligible couples.

He also criticised the current government’s political appointees for sidelining experienced staff at the ministry, alleging that this has disrupted the continuity of operations. Akram accused the administration of spreading misinformation and creating public distrust without investigating prior decisions.

In comments to Sun, Akram went further, alleging that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Housing Minister Abdulla Muthalib were attempting to favour certain individuals and bypass rightful recipients.

The Solih government published a provisional list of flat recipients on 4 November 2023, followed by a final list on 15 November after public complaints. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) later halted the handover, claiming the list was biased.

After a review, the current government’s Housing Ministry concluded that only 1,820 individuals were eligible, invalidating points for 53 percent of names on the original list. Although a new list was prepared, the ministry eventually decided to proceed with allocations based on the previous government’s list. The contracts are now being processed through Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC).