The summary of this article addresses the inherent inequities and the lack of fairness within housing projects specifically designated for state-owned enterprises and government institutions. It has been observed that some individuals are allocated flats without due consideration for their tenure of service or actual living conditions. In many instances, these recipients include individuals with significant political influence or substantial financial means. Furthermore, a major concern has arisen regarding beneficiaries of these special schemes who exploit the system by subletting their units at exorbitant rates for illicit financial gain.
While the government has recently announced dedicated housing projects for the military and police services, the primary grievance among the general public is that institutional or sectoral affiliation has become a primary criterion for housing eligibility. The prevailing view is that housing should be an essential right guaranteed to every Maldivian citizen. Therefore, the allocation of housing units must be conducted through a transparent and merit-based process that prioritizes an individual’s living circumstances and the severity of their housing need.
