News Desk
Male’ — The Ministry of Finance has unveiled an ambitious plan to construct 10,600 housing units across 57 islands, entirely funded by the government, in a bid to address the nation’s pressing housing shortage. The announcement, detailed in a series of statements released on Tuesday, outlines a sprawling initiative that will see the development of homes in far-flung atolls, from the northern reaches of Hdh. Kulhudhuhfushi to the southern island of L. Gan.
The ministry is seeking a design-and-build contractor to bring this vision to life, with the selection process governed by international competitive bidding (ICB) under the stringent Finance Rules. It’s a process designed to ensure transparency, officials say, though the scale of the project is daunting. Kulhudhuhfushi, a bustling hub in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, will see the lion’s share of construction, with 2,000 units planned. Other islands, like K. Thulusdhoo, S. Hithadhoo, and GDh. Thinadhoo, will each receive 500 units, while smaller allocations of 100 units are earmarked for places like Fuvah Mulah and Dh. Kudahuvadhoo. On average, each island will gain about 500 homes, though the distribution varies widely.
To participate, contractors must navigate a rigorous prequalification process. A nonrefundable registration fee of 1,500 Maldivian Rufiyaa—roughly $97—must be paid via Bandari Pay, the government’s digital payment platform, between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily, starting April 23 and ending May 8.
Applications, the ministry emphasized, must be submitted through the official bidding portal by the deadline. No exceptions will be made for bids sent through other channels, a rule that underscores the government’s push for a streamlined, digital-first approach.
The project is a cornerstone of President Dr. Muizzu’s broader effort to improve living conditions across the Maldives, where overcrowding and limited land have long strained communities. Islands like R. Ungoofaaru and HDh. Hanimaadhoo, both set to receive housing units, are among those grappling with these challenges. Yet, with 56 islands included in Tuesday’s announcement, the initiative’s scope is unprecedented, raising questions about logistics and timelines.
