Ministry seeks ACC probe into flat allocation draw

The Ministry of Housing has submitted a formal complaint to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) requesting an investigation into concerns surrounding the draw process under the ‘Gedhoruveriya’ housing scheme.

According to the ministry, the complaint was filed following the first round of the flat allocation process, in which a draw was conducted among applicants who received more than 76 marks. However, the ministry reported that some eligible candidates were not included in the draw.

The ministry stated in a press release that the draw was intended to allocate three-bedroom flats to those who scored above 75 marks. Flat agreements will be signed based on the outcome of this draw. The complaint alleges that the process may have been influenced in favour of certain individuals, potentially disadvantaging others.

According to the ministry: 301 applicants who scored above 76 marks were not selected in the draw. 315 applicants who scored above 76 marks were selected.

The ministry further stated that while a draw was conducted for those who scored 75 marks, flats were not allocated to all eligible individuals. The draw process was carried out under the landlord category of the housing scheme.

In the letter to the ACC, the ministry wrote: “... We request an investigation into this matter as it is believed to be for the benefit or harm of certain persons.”

Akram Kamaluddin, former State Minister of Housing, said that the previous government had not conducted a separate draw to allocate flats for those who scored more than 76 marks. He referred to an announcement made on 15 November 2023, in which the ministry stated that if both spouses qualified separately under the landlord scheme and were eligible for flats, they would be allocated one flat jointly or to one designated individual.

Akram explained that in such cases, the flat would be allocated under a single entry for both individuals. This process included listings that recorded the two individuals separately to meet the criteria.

He also stated that out of the total 4,000 flats under the scheme, 100 were allocated to the Maldives Customs Service. He added that this occurred before the draw, and included instances where couples had submitted separate applications.

According to Akram, the previous administration ensured that all housing-related work was managed by civil service staff within the ministry to maintain continuity, regardless of political changes.

Akram also alleged that following the change of government, some staff at the ministry were removed from key responsibilities. He further claimed that the administration of the landlord scheme had become disorganised and that misleading information was being shared with the public.