The PPM-PNC presidential candidate Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, has said that individuals who have received land through the government's land ownership scheme will not be required to relinquish their existing land in Male' City.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's incumbent government allocated land to the people of Male' with the condition that they would need to surrender any plots measuring 600 sqft or less registered in their name or slated for inheritance.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Maafannu on Monday night, Dr. Muizzu said he was able to identify from his campaign visits to homes in Male' and in the atolls, that housing was the primary concern of the people. In response to this pressing issue, his manifesto prioritizes a national-level approach to address housing challenges swiftly, he said.
Dr. Muizzu said the residents of Male' are living in very poor conditions without adequate housing. Therefore, when giving land and flats to the people of the city, it should be done in a fair manner, he said.
Acknowledging that those receiving land under the government's land and flat programs voice concern regarding the need to surrender their existing land, Muizzu said his government would amend the relevant laws to provide land without the requirement. Muizzu has also assured that he will provide a legal solution to those who have already given up their land and signed agreements with the current government.
“We will ensure land in our government so that such small plots of land will not have to be abandoned,” Muizzu said.
The presidential hopeful also highlighted that during the tenure of opposition leader, former President Abdulla Yameen, flats were distributed to the people without the need to surrender their existing properties, as the government believed this approach was more favorable to citizens.
