Over 35,000 applications were submitted for the government's 'Gedhoruveriyaa' and 'Binveriyaa' schemes.
In June this year, the government opened the opportunity for Male' residents to apply for 3,000 out of 5,000 plots and 4,000 flats to be issued from the Greater Male' Area. The deadline for application was set as September 26. However, the government extended the deadline until October 15 following a change in eligibility requirements.
While 15,164 applications were received for the 5,000 plots of land, 14,489 applications were received for three-bedroom flats. A further 6,208 applications were submitted for two-bedroom flats.
The land allocation policy first defined Male' residents as a person who has never been registered in any island other than Male'. However, the Planning Ministry last week amended the regulations such that Male' residents who were registered elsewhere in the past due to a government policy can apply for the land plots if their mother or father is a Male' resident.
Three sizes of plots will be allocated under the 'Binveriyaa Scheme'. This includes 1,000 plots from Hulhumale' and 2,000 plots from Gulhifalhu. Any Male' resident who does not own 600 sqft of land and would not inherit land of the size can apply for these plots. The minimum plot size for an individual is 1,250 sqft, and an additional 400 sqft for each additional person in case of joint application. A total of 4,000 sqft will be allocated if the application is submitted by more than seven people.
