HDC: No changes to any ‘Binveriya’ plots in the new Hulhumale’ masterplan

Housing Development Corporation (HDC) states there will be no changes to any land plots awarded from Hulhumale’ under the former administration’s ‘Binveriya’ scheme with the new masterplan for the suburb.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu launched the new masterplan for Hulhumale’ with major revisions during a ceremony held for the purpose on Monday morning.

Hulhumale’ masterplan was initially formulated during former president Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom with consultation from foreign experts. All successive administrations have revised the masterplan. The last MDP administration awarded over hundreds of land plots from Hulhumale’ nearing the presidential election in a manner that introduces significant changes to the masterplan.

Speaking during Monday’s launching ceremony, HDC’s Chief Planning Officer Ahmed Zinaf noted that no new housing projects have been included in the newly revised masterplans. This is to ensure other essential services and infrastructure are developed to the same standard as housing by the time the government’s ongoing housing projects are completed, he added.

Zinaf emphasized that the masterplan was formulated in a manner it required no changes to land plots that have been awarded under the ‘Binveriya’ scheme.

“I especially want to note that these revisions would not eliminate any of the 699 land plots under Binveriya (scheme),” he said.

The former administration decided to issue 9,003 plots to 18,955 eligible recipients under the Binveriya Scheme. The plots were designated from Hulhumale', Gulhifalhu, and Giraavarufalhu.

The current administration has made changes to the former administration plans, upping the number of land plots issued from Gulhifalhu from 2,000 to 3,520.

According to an audit report, the issuance of land for free under the Binveriya caused a loss of MVR 11 billion to HDC.

The government has agreed to pay MVR 10.5 billion to HDC for the land plots.

The audit report states the government has issued two lagoons to HDC as payment; Galu Falhu and Maagiri Falhu. Both lagoons have a combined value to MVR 3.3 billion. The audit report states HDC has been instructed to work alongside Housing Ministry to secure the remaining sum.