The Gedhoruveriya housing scheme, a flagship project under a previous Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)-led administration, is now under intense scrutiny for alleged irregularities. Senior officials of the then Housing Ministry are set to face legal charges following an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
Who Are the Officials Under Investigation?
According to a senior ACC official, four individuals have been identified as key figures in the case:
- Akram Kamaluddeen: Former State Minister at the Housing Ministry.
- Mohamed Arif: Former Senior Executive Director.
- Lirgam Waheed: Former Senior Executive Director.
- Ahmed Vishan Naseem: The current and former Director General.
The ACC has recommended pressing charges against these officials, with a decision expected soon. Notably, their passports were confiscated last week as part of the ongoing investigation.
The same officials are also implicated in the Binveriya housing scheme case, where allegations of undue allocation of housing and land persist. Both cases point to claims of favouritism and violations in the application process, raising questions about the transparency of these schemes.
ACC’s Findings on Gedhoruveriya Scheme
The Gedhoruveriya housing scheme aimed to provide affordable flats to thousands of applicants. However, a detailed investigation by the ACC revealed that only 20% of the first 4,000 recipients met the eligibility criteria. The commission subsequently directed the Housing Ministry to review the list and take corrective measures.
The current administration has since launched a review of all 20,000 applications submitted during the initial phase of the scheme.
Prosecutor General’s Office Involvement
In a recent directive, the Prosecutor General’s Office has instructed the ACC and the Maldives Police Service to expedite their investigations into both the Gedhoruveriya and Binveriya housing schemes. The office emphasized the need for swift legal action against those responsible for any irregularities.
In a press release, the ACC assured the public that they are actively pursuing prosecution for those found guilty of misconduct. Their collaboration with the Prosecutor General’s Office underscores their commitment to ensuring accountability and restoring trust in public housing projects.
The revelations surrounding the Gedhoruveriya scheme have sparked a broader conversation about the fairness and transparency of government-run housing initiatives. Many citizens have expressed concerns over the misuse of public resources, urging the government to strengthen oversight mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
