Ministry seeks additional land for future housing projects
Muththalib said discussions are ongoing with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to identify additional land for future housing developments.
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Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development Dr Abdulla Muththalib said on Tuesday that land currently available in the Greater Malé Region can accommodate 10,700 housing units.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office, Muththalib said discussions are ongoing with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to identify additional land for future housing developments.
The minister said the government faced challenges in securing foreign aid and foreign currency due to the state of national debt when the current administration assumed office. As a result, he said the government is pursuing alternative methods to continue housing projects.
According to Muththalib, work is currently progressing on 10,700 housing units across the Malé region, while physical construction has already begun on 3,260 units.
Although the government had previously estimated that the region could accommodate 12,000 housing units, the minister said there is presently no additional land available beyond the current 10,700-unit capacity.
“In reality, the Ministry does not have additional land at its disposal for further construction at this moment. However, the Ministry is working closely with HDC to identify whether land previously designated for other purposes can be reallocated for housing,” Muththalib said.
He added that the ministry is also evaluating potential plots within Malé City that could be used for housing projects.
The minister further stated that private companies have expressed interest in developing housing units for sale at controlled prices if the state provides land free of charge along with concessions.
Muththalib outlined several ongoing and planned projects, including:
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construction of approximately 4,000 housing units under the Bank of Maldives (BML) housing project;
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proposals from Maldivian contractors for around 2,000 housing units under a controlled-price housing scheme;
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financing secured through BML for an additional 540 units;
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construction of 500 housing units funded through an interest-free loan from China;
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development of 400 housing units with assistance from the Saudi Fund for Development; and
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finalisation of documentation for 4,000 housing units in Gulhifalhu under an Indian line of credit.
The minister also said discussions are ongoing regarding the development of an additional 1,000 housing units.
