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Thursday 04 Sep 2025
LOCAL EDITION
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LOCAL EDITION
Stakes mark boundaries of different plots allotted to people under the Binnveriya scheme in Gulhifalhu, September 3, 2025. (Photo/Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure)
The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure has begun clearing and marking boundaries for plots allotted to individuals in Gulhifalhu under the Binnveriyaa housing scheme.
The previous Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government had announced an allocation of at least 2,000 plots under the Binnveriyaa scheme, but the current government increased this number to 3,520. This includes individuals who requested to transfer their land from Giravaru lagoon to Gulhifalhu.
In a post on 'X' on Wednesday evening, the Housing Ministry stated that the work of clearing and marking boundaries for the land allocated in Gulhifalhu commenced on Wednesday.
— Ministry of Construction, Housing & Infrastructure (@MoCImv) September 3, 2025
The Housing Ministry reported that 1,260 people have received land registration since the process began on July 12 of last year.
Land registrations arebeing issued at the former Housing Ministry building, specifically in the section previously utilized by the city council.
The Gulhifalhu project initiated in July last year. The government previously announced that the dredging work was awarded to Boskalis of the Netherlands for USD 120 million (MVR 2 billion).
While the previous government conducted the draw for land recipients, the current government has since changed the land use plan twice. Registrations are now being issued following a re-draw on May 30, under the new land use plan.
The interim government amended the agreement, citing illegality in its preparation by the former government.
Originally, recipients were required to relinquish claims to state-owned land under 600 square feet in Male’. A new policy proposed extending this to all land owned in the Maldives, which raised concerns. Housing Minister Dr. Abdulla Muthalib noted that the change conflicted with Article 11 of the Land Act, prompting the amendment.
This decision prompted threats of legal action from the Gulhifalhu Rayyithunge Union. In response, Muthalib clarified on X that the original agreement would remain in effect, with a new document addressing plot number changes to expedite allotments.
