Male’ is for all Maldivians, not just for Male’ citizens

Opposition leader and former President Abdullah Yameen has stated that the capital city of Male’ was for all Maldivians and not just for the citizens of Male'.

Speaking at the lengthy press conference held on Thursday evening, President Yameen was questioned on the issue of giving land to Male’ citizens, free of charge.

The former President ruled out such a scheme, stating that he does not believe it should be carried out.

However, President Yameen said that housing schemes run in Male’, could give more weightage to Male’ residents. He added that this would not exclude residents of other areas from gaining housing, if they meet criteria.

“I do not believe that a Male’ residents only housing scheme can be carried out. Any administration of ours will not do that,” he said.

The issue of Male’ and atolls had risen up once again, following the current administration’s decision to award Male’ citizens land free of charge in the greater Male’ region. Citizens from the atolls have described this as segregation, with a significant amount of Male’ residents agreeing with this sentiment.

Under this scheme, 4,000 flats and 1,000 homes in Hulhumale’, as well as 2,000 homes created in Gulhifalhu would be given away. Homes will be given to individuals who had lived in Male’ but not registered in any home. Flats would be given to residents of Male’ and any individual who had lived in Male’ for 15 years.