The Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development, Dr. Ali Haidar, has announced that the provisional list of recipients for the 4,000 flats, allocated under the previous government’s ‘Gedhoruveriya’ (Homeowner) scheme, will be announced within the coming week.

Speaking on a state media program, the Minister stated that they are currently in the process of re-evaluating the applications submitted for the 4,000 flats.

‘Once the evaluation of all forms is completed, we will announce the provisional list of recipients for the 4,000 flats within the coming week,’ the Minister said.

The Minister also stated that after publishing the provisional list, there will be an opportunity for complaints to be filed. He added that after completing all these processes, the flats will be handed over to the rightful recipients within this year.

Towards the end of the previous government’s term, a list of flat recipients was made public. Following the publication of the list, due to numerous complaints, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) intervened and halted the process. The relevant ministry of the previous government also announced that they had suspended the distribution of flats in accordance with the ACC’s directive.

After investigating the matter, the ACC stated that 60 percent of the recipients of the 4,000 flats allocated by the previous government did not meet the eligibility criteria. However, the ACC has given permission to the ministry to proceed with allocating flats to those who were correctly awarded points and met the eligibility criteria.

The 4,000 flats being constructed under the ‘Gedhoruveriya’ scheme are funded through a sovereign guarantee of 227 million dollars provided to the Maldivian government by India’s Exim Bank.

This is a project being carried out by India’s JMC Projects Limited and National Buildings Construction Company (NBCC).

Of the 32 towers in this project, NBCC is constructing 16 towers, while JMC is working on the other 16 towers.

These towers include 2,800 three-bedroom apartments and 1,200 two-bedroom apartments. The two-bedroom apartments are 650 square feet units, while the three-bedroom apartments are 900 square feet. These are spacious apartments, and FDC (presumably Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation) stated that before handing over the flats to the public and people start living in them, basic services will be available in each building.

The Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development, Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed, has stated that the minimum population criterion set for Urban Centers is a population of at least 10,000 people.

The 7 islands designated as Urban Centers by the President are R. Ungoofaaru, B. Eydhafushi, Lh. Naifaru, ADh. Mahibadhoo, F. Nilandhoo, Dh. Kudahuvadhoo, and L. Fonadhoo.

The 7 islands designated as Urban Centers by the President are R. Ungoofaaru, B. Eydhafushi, Lh. Naifaru, ADh. Mahibadhoo, F. Nilandhoo, Dh. Kudahuvadhoo, and L. Fonadhoo.

Speaking on PSM News’ ‘Raajje Miadu’ program, Minister Haidar said that in selecting islands for establishing Urban Centers, they have considered the investments already made in these islands. This includes the extent of health services, educational services, and other urban services that have been provided.

The Minister further stated that they have also considered the potential for island expansion, including the possibility of merging with nearby lagoons to increase the land area.

‘The future Urban Development Regions are planned with an even greater focus, designed to accommodate a population of approximately 100,000 people. We have planned such urban regions in both the north and south. The work will begin within five years, though it will take some time to reach the target population of 100,000. Currently, the southern region has about 50,000 people, while the northern region has approximately 55,000 he said.

The Minister stated that it would be difficult to provide high-quality services unless the population of such islands reaches 100,000. He particularly highlighted the healthcare sector. The Minister explained that if a tertiary-level hospital were to be established, it would be challenging to provide certain services if the population it serves is not sufficiently large.

The Minister said that the residents of such islands can live safely only if environmentally friendly islands are developed. He added that Urban Centers will provide residents with safe access to higher education and health opportunities, as well as numerous business opportunities.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed that the establishment of development zones and urban centres nationwide has been a priority of his Administration since its commencement.

In a post on his official X account, the President shared key details regarding sustainable development, as outlined in Sections 4.12, 4.13, and 4.14 of Chapter 4 of the Dhiveheenge Raajje Manifesto. As part of the Maldives’ Sustainable Regional Development Policy, the manifesto outlines plans to establish Southern and Northern Integrated Development Zones. This includes the Malé Urban Region, the three northernmost atolls, and the four southernmost atolls. Additionally, President Dr Muizzu highlighted that the manifesto clearly states the government’s commitment to developing a total of seven urban centres—three to the north of Malé City and four in the south. The President’s post also noted that he has reiterated this in several meetings since the launch of the manifesto.

The President stated that these initiatives are planned to be incorporated into the 20-year National Development Plan and will be implemented with the involvement of all stakeholders, including the input of technical experts, councils, and the people of all the islands across the country.

Chapter 4 (Housing and Urbanisation) of the Dhiveheenge Raajje Manifesto, Section 4.12, discusses the Malé Urban Region, identifying it as a high-end service area. The northern development zone encompasses Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Shaviyani Atoll, and other nearby atolls. Haa Dhaalu Atoll has been designated as the main administrative hub, while Kulhudhuffushi City is recognised as an international gateway. Additionally, Hdh. Hanimadhoo is included as part of the region’s development plan. There is also a vision for an international transhipment port at HA. Ihavandhipolhu.

Section 4.13 emphasises the Male’ Urban Region and other high-end service areas, with Addu City designated as the administrative hub and an international gateway in the southern development zone. This zone comprises Gaafu Dhaalu, Gaafu Alif, Fuvahmulah City, and Addu City is identified as the site for an international transhipment port, with plans for the expansion and development of industrial activities, fisheries, agriculture, mariculture, and tourism.

Section 4.13 mentions the Male’ Urban Region and the high-end service area. It outlines the southern development zone, which includes Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Gaafu Alif Atoll, Fuvahmulah City, and Addu City. Addu City is designated as both an administrative hub and an international gateway. The section also highlights the vision for expanding and developing international transhipment ports, industrial activities, fisheries, agriculture, mariculture, and tourism resources in the region.

Section 4.14 outlines the development of seven additional moderate urban centres, including three in the north and four in the south.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has launched the National Teacher Training Programme today. The President inaugurated the programme at a ceremony held this morning at the Auditorium of the Maldives National University.

The National Teacher Training Programme launched today is aimed at fresh higher secondary graduates under the direct supervision of the President. It seeks to address the shortage of teachers in the country’s education sector and increase the number of local teachers in the field.

At today’s ceremony, President Dr Muizzu handed out grant letters to 21 schools nationwide that had graduates enrolled in the project. The training curriculum will include one hundred thirty-five students from these 21 schools.

With a strong focus on education, the government aims to transform the future of the sector through this training programme, providing a clear career path for graduates and helping to address the critical need for Maldivian teachers.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has launched a project to establish fuel storage facilities in all atolls of the Maldives.

State Trading Organization (STO) Managing Director Shimad Ibrahim stated that the project aims to set up fuel storage in every atoll by February 2026, making fuel more accessible for fishermen and the general public. The fuel setup in Hulhumale’ was completed in January this year, and STO currently provides fuel at base rates from FSM sheds in GA Kooddoo and N Felivaru islands. The company plans to complete the fuel setup in Addu City Hulhumeedhoo by February 2025.

Additionally, fuel setups are scheduled for completion in HA Ihavandhoo, HDh Hanimaadhoo, F Nilandhoo, GDh Faresmaathodaa, and Fuvahmulah City by October 2025. Further setups will be created in Sh Milandhoo, N Manadhoo, B Thulhaadhoo, V Felidhoo, Th Hirilandhoo, R Dhuvaafaru, AA Mathiveri, M Mulah, Dh Kudahuvadhoo, and L Gan by February 2026.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam reiterated the President’s pledge to provide fuel at STO rates in at least one island of each atoll and to declare fuel a basic necessity. He emphasized that the President was focused on long-term solutions to eliminate the longstanding reliance on temporary measures in the sector. The Minister also confirmed that the administration aims to address the core issues facing the sector within its first three years.

The provision of fuel at base rates through STO was a key pledge in the Dhivehinge Raajje manifesto.

Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef and senior government officials attended the ceremony.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the expansion of Bank of Maldives (BML) ATM services to all islands during an event at the President’s Office this afternoon.

On the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and the Bank of Maldives to provide Bank of Maldives ATM services to the entire Maldives.

At a ceremony, the newly installed ATM from the new project was unveiled. This ATM has been installed in Omadhoo. Currently, the Bank of Maldives (BML) has set up 190 ATMs across the country, and by the end of 2025, the project aims to establish over 250 ATMs nationwide. This initiative aligns with the President’s pledge to provide ATM services in all inhabited islands of the Maldives, ensuring that all Maldivians have access to banking services.

During the event, Bank of Maldives CEO Mohamed Shareef presented a memento to the President.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated a new fuel farm and hydrant system at Velana International Airport, in a ceremony held Thursday evening.

With the opening of the new fuel farm, storage capacity has increased from 13.5 million liters to 45 million liters. This represents a storage capacity increase of three times. Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL) completed this undertaking through a loan from China’s Exim Bank.

As part of the project, an 8.4 kilometer underground fuel hydrant system was also installed. The underground system eliminates the need for refuellers, enhancing safety and security standards and enhances fueling efficiency, safety, and sustainability to meet increasing demand and support long-haul flights.

Completed with strict adherence to international standards, this modern infrastructure ensures VIA is equipped for a strong, adaptable future, as per the President’s vision for the of the airport as laid out in the masterplan.

Following the launch of the fuel farm and hydrant system, the President had toured the airport.

Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef and senior government officials attended the ceremony.

Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has congratulated Republican candidate Donald Trump, who is projected to win the United States presidential election.

In a post on X on Wednesday afternoon, President Dr Muizzu joined other world leaders in congratulating Trump on making an apparent stunning political comeback, four years after he left the White House.

In his message, President Dr Muizzu said that the Maldives and the US share a strong partnership based on mutual respect, goodwill and understanding.

I look forward to strengthening our cooperation, address mutual challenges and work towards advancing global peace and prosperity: President Dr Muizzu

Trump has so far secured 267 electoral votes, while Harris has won 224.

As a result, Trump is now projected to have won the presidency and will re-enter the White House as America’s 47th president.