Council seeks answers on utilities, construction access for Binveriya plots

Malé City Council on Wednesday decided to seek information from state authorities on when water, electricity, roads and construction permits will be provided for land plots allocated under the Binveriya housing scheme.

The motion was submitted at the council’s meeting by Maafannu North Councillor Hussain Furushan of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and was approved by all members who participated in the vote.

Furushan called for the council to obtain timelines for land allocated or due to be allocated in Hulhumalé, Gulhifalhu and Giraavarufalhu.

Among the issues raised was the lack of water and electricity connections for plots already allocated in Hulhumalé Phase 2 and Phase 3, as well as the status of road construction in the areas.

The council will also seek information on when factories operating in the Gulhifalhu industrial area will be relocated to allow land designated under the housing scheme to be handed over to recipients.

Furushan also sought clarification on why plots located outside the area affected by the bridge connection have yet to be handed over.

Questions were also raised over the contractor responsible for road development.

Furushan said President Mohamed Muizzu had previously told a meeting of about 60 land recipients at Mulee’aage that road construction would be assigned to a Chinese contractor. He questioned why the work was subsequently assigned to the Road Development Corporation (RDC).

The council will also seek an update from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) on when recipients will be permitted to begin constructing homes on their plots.

According to the concerns raised at the meeting, HDC is currently not issuing permits for construction beyond boundary walls.

Furushan said plot recipients had also reported that Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) had no plan available to them for providing water connections, while State Electric Company (STELCO) had not provided a timeline for electricity services.

“We must reach out to every relevant state institution — whether through direct visits or official letters — to obtain a clear update on these land plots,” Furushan said.

Henveiru North Councillor Fatimath Laiza also raised concerns over the situation in Hulhumalé Phase 3, where some plots have been handed over but recipients are unable to begin construction.

“Without electricity or water, how can people build homes? Handing over raw land and leaving citizens with unfulfilled promises is unacceptable,” Laiza said.

Hulhumalé North Councillor Fatimath Zahiyya said plots in Hulhumalé Phase 2 and Phase 3 continued to lack water and sewerage connections, affecting recipients seeking to develop their land.

The Binveriya housing scheme was introduced under the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to allocate land to eligible residents of Malé.

A total of 1,407 plots were allocated in Hulhumalé Phase 2, with the allocation process completed in October 2024.

More than 600 plots are planned for Hulhumalé Phase 3, of which more than 300 have so far been handed over.

Under the scheme, 2,438 plots have also been designated for Gulhifalhu and 5,187 for Giraavarufalhu.

The government later decided to relocate 1,347 plots previously planned for Giraavarufalhu to Gulhifalhu.