Mayor Urges Gov’t to Expedite Handover of Hulhumale’ Flats

Male’ City Mayor, Adam Azim, has urged the government to expedite the handover of flats to the 4000 recipients in Hulhumale’ Phase 2, currently under construction by Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC).

The construction of these apartment towers was initiated during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who compiled a list of flat recipients. This list is presently under review by a Flat Committee formed under the incumbent government.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

Last month, Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development, Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed, announced that the construction of these flats is expected to be completed by mid-2025.

At a press conference held by the Male’ City Council, Mayor Azim stressed that residents are tired of the government’s excuses regarding the unresolved housing issues in Male’. He highlighted the urgency of addressing the challenging living conditions faced by the city’s residents.

“This is not about one citizen. I am requesting the government, too, to find a swift resolution to this issue. For everyone to make time. Even if 24 hours have to be freed up, it is vital to address this issue of protecting the rights of Male’ residents, and protecting their rights to housing,” Azim stated.

He called for the flats to be allocated promptly and emphasised that it is legally unjust to retract previously granted housing rights.

Azim announced that the council will deliberate on the matter on Wednesday and bring their concerns to the government’s attention. He assured that the council’s decision would protect the rights of all citizens.

The Mayor also urged political leaders to personally assess the living conditions of Greater Male’ residents rather than remaining in their offices. He emphasised the need for proactive efforts to find permanent housing solutions, given the public’s current plight.

At the press conference, Azim reaffirmed his commitment to addressing housing concerns and said the council would submit its decisions to the Ministry of Housing following their discussion next week.

“It is not enough that we are living comfortably with high paying jobs. We need to step out of our comfort zone and to evaluate the living conditions of the people. All elected officials need to do this, to come out and check for themselves,” Azim said.

He also urged the government to disclose details related to housing initiatives to the public.

In addition to the Mayor, various associations advocating for housing solutions, including Fahi Union, have expressed their concerns. The union noted the ongoing lack of social housing and criticised the delays in resolving the matter, expressing hope that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to provide affordable housing within five years would be fulfilled.

Eight months into the current administration, concerns remain about the lack of updates on recent social housing allocations. Male’ Rahvehinge Jamiyya, Giraavaru Male’ Rahvehinge Association, Gulhifalhu Rayyithunge Jamiyya, and Hulhumale’ Community have also shared their concerns with local media.

These associations expressed support for the Ras Male’ project and called on the state to expedite initiatives to resolve the housing crisis.