‘Gedhoruveriya’ Flat Beneficiaries List to Remain Unchanged, Says HRCM

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has affirmed that the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development has provided assurances that the final roster of beneficiaries for flats under the previous administration’s ‘Gedhoruveriya’ initiative will not be rescinded.

In a statement released yesterday, the HRCM disclosed that it has been apprised of various grievances alleging infringements on individuals’ rights pertaining to the ‘Gedhoruveriya’ housing programme. The Commission indicated its ongoing review of the matter through a human rights lens, considering the unfolding developments within the project.

Having engaged with complainants, Housing Ministry officials, and representatives from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the HRCM highlighted the ministry’s consistent affirmation in all meetings that the list of flat beneficiaries will remain intact and not subject to revision or reannouncement. Additionally, the HRCM noted the ministry’s consultation with the Attorney General’s Office (AG Office) following instructions from the ACC regarding the path forward.

The HRCM underscored its pursuit of pertinent documentation to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the case and revealed plans for further discussions. Emphasising the case’s significance for numerous stakeholders, the commission assured its commitment to expedite the investigative process and pledged to share the resultant report with the complainants upon its conclusion.

The disclosure of the list of recipients of 4,000 flats developed by the Fahi Dhiri Ulhun Corporation (FDC) in Hulhumale’ prompted public demonstrations over the allocation criteria. Subsequently, 325 complaints were lodged with the ACC, prompting a criminal inquiry.

Despite the ACC’s previous directive to suspend flat allocations, it lifted the suspension on February 1, specifying certain procedural guidelines for the Housing Ministry to adhere to during the allocation process.

In response, the Housing Ministry, in a statement issued on Saturday, confirmed receipt of a list of forms from the ACC, identifying eligible applicants without discrepancies in their submissions.