President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced the decision to launch a major housing project specifically for military and police personnel at Bandeyri Koshi within the next eight months.

The President made this announcement while officiating the ceremony held last night at Bandaara Koshi to mark the 134th anniversary of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

The President stated that housing is a basic right for every Maldivian citizen and is one of the most essential rights one should receive by virtue of being Maldivian. Therefore, he noted that the housing policy has been established as one of the most important priorities of this government in both the developmental and social spheres.

"After defending the nation and protecting its independence, the most important right for a Maldivian citizen is determined to be the provision of basic housing. In this regard, I believe that this right must be fully realized for the Maldivian military, who should hold the highest position of honor in the hearts of the Maldivian people," the President said.

In his remarks, the President noted that within the government's housing policy, a specific quota is already allocated for military personnel in currently open programs. He stated that this number is not sufficient and that the government has decided to increase that allocation in the future to address the issue.

"I assure you, beloved soldiers, that the number of military personnel receiving basic housing through government housing schemes will, God willing, be increased in the future. At the same time, the Bandaara Koshi area has remained in its current state for ages without being developed. This is something discussed in every administration but left neglected. However, I have decided to change that. In that regard, the relevant ministry, the Ministry of Housing, has now begun some work," President Muizzu said.

He further stated that while the location is currently a place where housing is provided under specific established rules as long as one remains in military service, the number of military families utilizing the facility is low. He also noted that the site is not in good condition in terms of quality.

Given these circumstances, the President said it has been decided to carry out a modern housing scheme in the entire Bandaara Koshi area, with practical work scheduled to begin within the next eight months.

"Our target is to start a major housing project in that area by early next year at the latest, within the next eight months. God willing, we will begin a major housing project designed so that military and police personnel and their families receive the maximum benefit, ensuring housing is allocated according to established rules while they are in service," the President said.