President Unveils Plans: Salary Hikes, Student Loan Relief, and Housing Initiatives

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih made a series of pledges including plans for initiatives including salary increases for all sectors, student loan forgiveness, and housing projects at a campaign rally held yesterday.

Salary Increases from January

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President Solih, addressing a crowd, pledged a forthcoming boost in salaries for employees across all sectors starting from January next year. He vowed to include these adjustments in the upcoming year’s budget. 

“We will hopefully include this in the 2024 budget that will be presented to Parliament next month,” President Solih stated.

He also mentioned that this would not be confined to specific areas including the army, police, judiciary, civil service, independent institutions, immigration, customs, councils, imams, and teachers.

This decision stems partly from the President’s regular door-to-door visits to households in the city, where he has also become aware of the growing concern among students struggling to repay their loans. Many students are on the brink of legal action due to non-payment issues, prompting the President to consider potential solutions.

Housing Bank and Soft Loans in Second Term

President Solih unveiled a plan for a housing initiative slated for his second term. This initiative aims to establish a housing bank tailored specifically for the construction of plots and the provision of soft loans with extended repayment terms.

President Solih acknowledged concerns about the allocation and development of land in areas such as Hulhumale, Gulhifalhu, and Giravaaru. The government has allocated 19,000 plots of land through a lottery system, with some already assigned in Hulhumale and Gulhifalhu. 

The President stated that his objective is to offer a long-term housing solution for the residents of Male’.

Housing Project for Long-Term City Dwellers

President Solih also announced a housing project designed for those who have called the city home for over two decades. Speaking at the campaign rally in Galolhu, President Solih expressed his commitment to resolving the housing crisis of both city residents and migrants from the islands.

President Solih acknowledged that individuals who migrated to the city at significant personal expense now face difficulties obtaining land in their home islands. He vowed to provide housing options for those who have resided in Male’ for more than 20 years and those listed in the dhaftharu registry for a similar duration.

“The policies are now in the final stages of formulation. We will provide a lasting solution for the residents of Male’,” President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih affirmed.

Highlighting the housing projects being carried out in the city, the President said that 19,842 people will be given land during this term. The President also said that a housing bank will be established to build land for the people of the city.

In addition, 16,923 people will be handed over flats. 4,000 flats are currently under construction and another 4,000 flats have been handed over to others. The President said he would start work on the remaining flats in the second term.