News Desk
MALE, Maldives — Mr. Mauroof Jameel, a seasoned figure in Maldives’ construction and urban development sectors, has been appointed as the Managing Director of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) following the resignation of his predecessor, Ibrahim Fazul Rashid, amidst a high-profile corruption investigation.
Mr. Jameel, who previously served as the Minister of Construction under President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, brings decades of experience to the role. He was also the founding CEO of HDC and played a pivotal role in the reclamation and urban planning of Hulhumalé, a key project aimed at addressing the Maldives’ chronic housing shortage.
His contributions to the field include authoring books on Maldivian architecture and construction, as well as overseeing the construction of the iconic Islamic Center in the capital. Mr. Jameel is also an accomplished artist, reflecting his multifaceted approach to development.
The leadership change comes as the Maldives Police Service and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) intensify their investigation into a sprawling corruption scandal at HDC. The case has led to the suspension of the corporation’s board, excluding its chairman, Ahmed Nasif. Additionally, passports of 20 individuals, including HDC staff, board members, and Housing Ministry officials, have been confiscated under orders from the Prosecutor General.
Ibrahim Fazul Rashid’s resignation late last night followed allegations that his brother, Mohammed Fazeel Rasheed, Deputy Managing Director of the Malé Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC), had unlawfully acquired a plot of land through the housing scheme. Social media leaks revealed broader irregularities, with claims that a network of corruption had infiltrated HDC’s allocation of housing plots and flats. The revelations prompted public outrage and compelled the government to act decisively.
President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu has reaffirmed his commitment to rooting out corruption, emphasizing that his administration will not tolerate any misuse of public resources. The housing crisis, a persistent social issue in the Maldives, has made land and housing schemes a highly sensitive matter, further underscoring the gravity of the allegations.
Hulhumalé, a reclaimed island envisioned as a solution to the capital’s housing woes, has been central to successive governments’ efforts to address the shortage. Mr. Jameel’s return to HDC is seen as an attempt to stabilize the corporation and restore public trust. With his extensive background in urban development and commitment to ethical leadership, Mr. Jameel is expected to steer the corporation through the fallout of the ongoing investigation.
As the probe unfolds, the public awaits further developments in what is shaping up to be one of the most significant corruption cases in recent Maldivian history.
