'Omitted works' a 'nonsense' excuse to withhold flat list, says Councilor Saif Fathih

Saif Fathih, the Malé City Council Councilor for Galolhu North, has vehemently dismissed claims that omitted work in the agreement for the 4,000 flats constructed by Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) is the reason for the delay in releasing the flat recipient list. He labeled the excuse as "nonsense" and a mere pretext to postpone the public disclosure of the list.

His comments come amidst growing public concern over the lack of transparency in the flat allocation process, particularly as FDC Managing Director Hamdhan Shakeel previously stated that the flats are undergoing omitted work from the previous administration and are nearing completion.

The controversy escalated as reports emerged of flats being distributed without publicizing the recipient list and with names allegedly being withheld. Furthermore, the signing of flat agreements for a list of less than 100 individuals has been suspended, adding to the public's frustration.

Speaking on SSTV's 'Baaru Hathareh' program on Tuesday evening, Councilor Fathih expressed deep concern, questioning why the government, after nearly two years in power, has yet to release the complete list of flat recipients.

He emphasized that sufficient time has passed to verify the validity of the list, a task the government has failed to accomplish in 1.5 years. He further dismissed the notion of omitted work as "hollow talk" and "false claims."

"It's all hollow, empty talk. The reason I am forced to say its nonsense is this claim of omitted work is not the reason why [former Housing] Minister Haidar and [current Housing Minister] Dr. Abdullah Muthalib are tugging on the list all this time. Two different lists arer produced in two days," Councilor Fathih stated.

Despite Councilor Fathih's skepticism, FDC Managing Director Hamdhan Shakeel has detailed the works currently being undertaken in the flats:

• Building Signage

• CCTV network

• Garbage chute

• Boom Gate

• Landscaping

• Feeder Cable & Transformer Connection

• MWSC sewage connection

• MWSC Mainline Connection

• Booster Pump for Dhoadhi Project

• Shaft Door

• External Gates

• Internet & MediaNet

Councilor Fathih also expressed his strong dissatisfaction with the suspension of flat agreement signings, branding it a "very dastardly act."

"It's a very wrongful thing that with the verification process over, instructing folk to go to sign the agreement on the morrow, then on that same night send an SMS saying 'oh no, wait', there are still others who have not participated in the draw," he recounted.

He likened the situation to 'stamping on people’s hopes and dreams'.

While the distribution of flats to certain individuals on the list was reportedly halted due to alleged issues, FDC has not disclosed the number of affected individuals. However, some sources claim that the delay in signing flat agreements specifically impacts those who had already been informed of their eligibility.

Hamdhan has stated that the Housing Ministry will verify applicant documents before forwarding the latest list to the FDC.