The government has broadened its national housing initiative through a new call issued by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), inviting contractors to develop residential units across ten islands in six atolls, reinforcing its commitment to decentralised infrastructure development beyond the capital region.
The state-owned company announced on Thursday that it is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from qualified firms for housing projects in Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, Laamu, Raa, Lhaviyani and Addu Atolls. Submissions must be lodged via the HDC Bid Portal by 23 November.
This latest tender forms part of a wider strategy to address housing needs across the nation. Government plans currently encompass more than 12,000 housing units across 57 islands, with the ten islands in the present call representing the next phase of implementation.
Interest from contractors has been strong across previously announced sites. On 6 November, the government convened a formal ceremony to assign infrastructure projects in 123 islands to local firms. During the event, agreements were signed for developments in 13 islands, totalling 825 housing units.
Contractual arrangements for the remaining islands are being finalised by the Ministry of Finance and Planning. Officials have indicated that additional housing developments are under consideration, extending beyond the initial 57 islands already disclosed.
Budgetary allocations reflect the scale of the programme. More than USD 64.84 million has been designated for housing construction in the current and forthcoming national budgets, underscoring the administration’s continued emphasis on expanding access to affordable housing across the atolls.