The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has received a complaint requesting an investigation into the government’s failure to hand over approximately 700 completed housing units to their rightful owners, a lapse that is allegedly causing significant financial losses to the state.

The complaint, filed on Tuesday by Ahmed Saleem, who is a member of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) National Congress, concerns the 4,000 housing units initiated by the previous administration under the Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC). Despite hundreds of apartments already completed, the government has reportedly withheld their transfer to recipients, while continuing to use public funds to service loans on the properties.

According to the complaint, the state continues to make monthly loan repayments of MVR 23.39 million to the Indian government for these housing projects. Meanwhile, the 744 completed apartments and commercial spaces could generate an estimated MVR 10.77 million in monthly revenue if occupied. FDC also spends over MVR 3.23 million each month on salaries and recurrent expenses.

By keeping the units idle, the government is effectively depriving citizens of their allocated homes while simultaneously draining state finances. The complaint argues that this mismanagement constitutes a breach of the Anti-Corruption Act, Public Finance Act and the Penal Code, as it results in unjustifiable financial losses and the misuse of state resources.

The complaint further identifies President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib and FDC Managing Director Hamdhaan Shakeel as officials responsible for the negligence that has perpetuated the issue. It alleged that personal bias and political motivations are behind the decision to withhold the handover of completed apartments, despite there being no procedural obstacles to their distribution.

The delay has not only imposed a heavy financial burden on the state but also denied rightful beneficiaries access to housing, a fundamental right guaranteed under national law. Critics argue that the government’s inaction reflects deeper administrative failures and the politicization of public housing, eroding public trust in state institutions.

ACC is now being urged to investigate the matter promptly, as continued inaction risks normalizing financial negligence and weakening accountability mechanisms across the government.