In the third episode of the “Rayyithunge Adu” programme, where citizens meet and speak directly with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to voice their concerns on different issues and personal situations, citizens have shared concerns regarding housing and other areas.
Participants said they lack permanent housing and that they are struggling as a result, and spoke about difficulties obtaining homes under housing schemes introduced by previous governments.
One participant said she received a land plot from Giraavarufalhu, which is still being developed, and that her main goal is to obtain a house to live in. She spoke about her husband’s attempts to obtain a social housing unit from Hithadhoo, Addu City, but said he was rejected from the scheme for no apparent reason. She said the City Council had assured them in writing that they would be eligible in the upcoming round, but that there has been no news since then.
Another participant spoke about how they have been applying for housing schemes under successive governments, while people much younger than them are already benefiting from social housing programmes and they remain empty-handed.
Other concerns raised included employment and business difficulties. Participants from some islands highlighted the lack of roads, water and sewerage infrastructure in the islands. Some suggested developing local tourism, saying their islands have natural beauty and potential for tourism.
A participant from Kandudhoo, Thaa Atoll, said their island is spacious and expansive, with plenty of greenery. While the island has local tourism potential, he suggested the government provide loans to kickstart and establish local tourism businesses on the island.
President Muizzu said he would look closely into the concerns raised by participants.