Housing Minister Dr. Ali Haidhar says the former government did not act fairly when compiling the list of recipients of the 4,000 flats constructed under its Gedhoruveriya Housing scheme. He added this administration will only give the flats once it reviews the list.
The Minister made these comments while speaking at the ceremony held to inaugurate the lift installation project at Hiya flats today.
Minister Hiadhar said that the new flat committee is currently reviewing the flat list and it is working to comply with the former government's guidelines in the most just manner.
He further said even if the review process axes any applicant, the administration's policy was to ensure that all those who apply for housing schemes get an opportunity through another project.
The Minister added that by the end of this administration's five years, there won't be anyone without housing in the country.
The previous government of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih released the recipients of the flats mere days before the Presidential election held last year.
Many complained about the unfairness of the point system where many unworthy applicants were awarded higher scores than those who deserved social housing.
The complaints were then submitted to the ACC which launched an investigation of its own against the scheme.
The Commission ordered the Housing Ministry to cease issuing flats in November 2023. When the Commission was summoned to the Parliament's Committee on Independent Entities, it revealed that authorities have unfairly given points to some applicants of the scheme to award them housing flats.
