MP Abbas Says Completion of Greater Malé Housing Projects ‘Impossible’ Within Government’s Term

Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas has claimed it is impossible for the government to complete its housing projects in the Greater Malé region during its current five-year term.

Speaking during a parliamentary debate on a motion submitted by Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, Abbas — who said he has 25 years’ experience in the construction industry and employs around 380 workers — stated he was “100 per cent sure” the administration would fail to deliver on its commitments within the allotted time.

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He argued that deadlines set by the President and cabinet ministers should be respected. Referring to a government pledge to air-condition all classrooms by the end of October, he noted that the deadline had passed with the work still unfinished.

“I waited for the government to complete those classrooms for which I bear the cost. What should we do when the government is ready to install ACs? And now again the government is saying that next year it will be done,” Abbas said.

He urged politicians not to make promises that cannot be fulfilled, saying the focus should be on quickly delivering 4,000 flats. He added that residents of Malé City, particularly those in Hulhumalé, are in urgent need of housing.

Abbas argued that essential services — including housing, water, sewage, ports, hospitals and elections — should not be tied to the electoral timeline. He highlighted a hospital project on his island, noting that despite the foundation stone being laid three months ago, no progress had been made. He also claimed that 38 workers in his constituency had not been paid for three months, with no equipment available to continue work.

Meanwhile, the government has not yet begun any housing projects in the Malé area. The opposition has criticised the administration for failing to initiate a single housing project in the two years since President Dr Mohamed Muizzu took office. Although the President previously described the current year’s budget as housing-focused, with MVR 1.8 billion allocated for housing projects, less than 10 percent of the budget has reportedly been utilised to date.

Government MPs opposed the motion during the debate and ultimately voted to dismiss it. Of those present, 40 ruling party MPs voted against the motion, while 11 supported it.