The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure has commenced the process of identifying individuals who wish to build homes on their own private land under the government’s island-based housing projects.
In February this year, during a meeting with the residents of Meedhoo, Raa Atoll, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu pledged to provide assistance in building houses on private land in islands where the government has decided to implement housing projects. This is an opportunity provided by the government to support those who face financial difficulties to construct homes on land they already own, while also empowering citizens to live independently.
According to the Housing Ministry, the opportunity to build homes on private land is being extended to 57 islands where the government will be undertaking housing projects. Overall, the government has announced the construction of more than 12,000 housing units across various atolls across the Maldives.
The Housing Ministry said it is working closely with island councils of these islands to identify those who wish to build their homes with government assistance on their own land. Several councils have already begun making public announcements, including through the government gazette. The Housing Ministry has urged interested individuals to share their information with the island councils within the announced deadlines.
The project consists of housing units of three bedrooms. Once the number of homes to be built on private plots is determined, this number will be deducted from the island’s total housing allocation, and the remaining units from the total will be constructed on separate land designated by the respective councils.
These homes will be built by the government under the same payment conditions as other government housing schemes.
The government has now opened the opportunity for Maldivian and foreign contractors for housing projects to be implemented in the atolls. The Ministry reports that a high volume of proposals has already been received.
The government has declared housing as a top priority for the year. Alongside these initiatives, loan facilities for housing through Islamic finance are also being provided, while several infrastructural works are also underway. The government has allocated USD 129.7 million for housing-related works in this year's national budget.