Malé Protesters Demand Action on HDC Corruption, Call for Detention of Suspected Officials

A small protest took place on Majeedhee Magu this morning, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of government officials and calling for some of them to be detained during the corruption probe.

The protest, organised by Male’ Rahvehinge Jamiyyaa and Fahi Union, marked the beginning of what the organisers plan to be a series of demonstrations aimed at drawing attention to ongoing housing issues in the capital.

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“When this government came into power, the biggest fear in the hearts of the people was the confiscation of land and flats [guaranteed by the previous government.] As things are now progressing, that fear is very close to becoming a reality. Unless the government officials who stole the land are arrested and imprisoned, there is a lot of room to think that the President is involved,” said Ismail Nazim from Male Rahvehinge Jamiyyaa, giving a comment to MV+.

The protesters are calling for a criminal investigation into the alleged corruption scandal surrounding the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). Last Thursday, HDC’s former Managing Director, Fazul, along with the corporation’s board members—except for the Chairperson—were suspended following allegations that land plots under the ‘Binveriya’ housing scheme were allocated to individuals not listed as recipients.

A key point of contention is permits issued to Fazul’s older brother, Mohamed Fazeel Rasheed, the Deputy Managing Director of Male’ Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC), to acquire land in Hulhumale’. Fazeel used a forged Binveriyaa scheme agreement to claim ownership of a land plot despite not being eligible under the scheme.

Protesters have expressed frustration with the board members’ suspension Fazul’s resignation, insisting that it is not enough. They argue that these individuals should be criminally charged and detained during the investigation to prevent the potential tampering of evidence. Some protesters also called for the immediate release of promised flats, citing ongoing delays and political influence over the housing process.

Public frustration has been mounting over housing delays, particularly with the postponement of the release of the revised recipient list for the ‘Binveriya’ scheme. Last month, the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development denied allegations circulating on social media that Members of Parliament (MPs) and other politicians were influencing the selection process for beneficiaries of 4,000 flats being developed in Hulhumalé under the previous administration’s ‘Gedhoruveriyaa Scheme.’

Protesters have also voiced discontent over the government’s refusal to honour land awards made under the Binveriyaa scheme, accusing officials of political bias and mismanagement in housing projects.