ACC intervenes housing project amid allegations of corruption
Upon further investigation, the ACC found that the marks were later changed, and those who were not supposed to get housing under this scheme were approved for it by the supervisor level.
In recent days, discussions surrounding allegations of corruption within the housing scheme implemented by the previous administration under the leadership of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih have escalated, prompting widespread concern among the public. The issue reached a critical juncture as the Anti-Corruption Corporation (ACC) intervened, calling for an immediate halt to the distribution of the flats due to significant apprehensions about the transparency and legality of the process.
The housing scheme, initially designed to address the pressing issue of affordable housing for residents of Male’ City, has now become the focal point of scrutiny amid growing suspicions of malfeasance and irregularities in its execution. Reports of corruption within the scheme have intensified, raising questions about the fairness of the allocation process and the potential exploitation of the initiative for personal gain.
Following the intervention by the ACC, it was found that the point system which was put in place in order to ensure that the most deserving people got housing was used as a corruption tactic in the end, as the awarded points for the ‘Gedhoruveriya’ schemes have been changed, resulting in people who have never even lived in Male’ City being included in the list of people who are to get housing under this scheme.
The ACC went on to explain that their investigation revealed that the portal which allocates points automatically generates marks according to the applicants’ submissions. However, upon further investigation, the ACC found that the marks were later changed, and those who were not supposed to get housing under this scheme were approved for it by the supervisor level.
Even from the initial get-go when corruption allegations started out following the publication of the list of recipients, ACC had asked the Housing Ministry to stop allocating the flats on November 5th 2023, as the ‘mistakes’ need to be looked into so that the housing can be allocated to the proper recipients.
While the ACC had made this request, they also noted during the discussion held at the Parliament that the Ministry did not make the needed changes, leading to the ACC issuing a follow-up letter as of November 15th, 2023.
ACC further noted that though the Housing Ministry suspended the allocation of flats, agreements had already been signed for some 4,000 out of more than 13,000 people who were on the permanent list. These 4,000 people are to be given housing units being built in Hulhumale’ by the Fahi Dhiriulhun Cooperation (FDC).
As the controversy unfolds, public discourse has been dominated by calls for accountability and transparency, with citizens demanding a thorough examination of the decision-making processes that led to the implementation of the housing scheme.
The former administration, led by Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, now faces heightened scrutiny, as citizens seek clarity on whether public resources were misappropriated and whether the intended beneficiaries of the housing initiative were unfairly disadvantaged.
The situation has not only fueled public dissatisfaction but has also raised concerns about the broader implications of corruption on the socio-economic fabric of the nation. The housing scheme, originally conceived as a means to alleviate housing shortages and provide citizens with a basic necessity, now stands at the centre of a controversy that threatens to erode public trust in government institutions.
