Qasim Ibrahim, the presidential candidate of the Jumhooree Party (JP), has pledged to forgive rents for tenants currently residing in various state-initiated social housing units.
In a tweet, Qasim expressed that the government should never hesitate if it had the ability to provide land to the public free of cost. He, however, pointed out that allocating the land to specific individuals deprives others of their rightful share. He also criticised the practice of collecting more than USD162,000 from underprivileged citizens over 20 or 25 years from social housing units constructed on such land, deeming it unjust. Therefore, he pledged to forgive rents for tenants currently residing in various state-initiated social housing units.
Additionally, outlined in Qasim's manifesto is his commitment to constructing 30,000 residential units within the initial five years of his leadership, ensuring housing for all those in need. A substantial proportion of these accommodations will be specifically allocated to young individuals seeking new homes or beginning their lives following marriage. He has also pledged to offer housing to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service (MPS) officers and plans to build a 15-story building exclusively for the MNDF.