Muththalib says he understands challenges faced by Malé citizens

Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr Abdulla Muththalib has said he understands the housing challenges faced by people born in Malé despite not being a native of the capital.

He made the remarks during Monday's sitting of the People's Majlis while responding to a question from Machangoalhi Central MP Ahmed Zameer of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC).

Introducing his question, Zameer said the concerns had been raised by one of his constituents and suggested that, because the minister was not from Malé, he did not understand the concerns of people born in the capital.

The MP also questioned why the government's housing programme did not include a category specifically for native residents of Malé.

In response, Muththalib said members of Parliament should rely on accurate information when discussing housing policy.

He said the current housing framework includes three categories for people registered in Malé:

According to the minister, the largest allocation of housing units and the highest priority are reserved for people born in Malé.

"In reality, even though I am not a native of Malé, I have lived here since I was 12 years old. Having moved from one rented room or house to another just like many others here, I am aware of the housing situation in Malé," Muththalib said.

He added that the housing programme being implemented was based on government policy rather than his personal views.

"The policy I am implementing is the policy of the state. As everyone knows, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is a native of Malé, born and raised here," he said.

Muththalib said the current housing programme is being implemented within the framework established by the President to ensure that people born in Malé are given priority in housing allocation.