SIFCO Reverses Decision to Withhold Flats from MNDF Soldiers Who Received Hiyaa Housing

The Civil Court has revealed that SIFCO has reversed its decision to deny SIFCO Hiyaa flats to Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) soldiers who were later allocated Hiyaa flats.

The issue originated in 2014 when certain MNDF soldiers were declared eligible for SIFCO flats after paying a down payment of MVR 91,000. However, SIFCO later decided not to allocate flats to individuals benefiting from both housing schemes, prompting legal action from two claimants.

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In its Monday ruling, the Civil Court stated that SIFCO reversed its stance during the trial, awarding the flats to the claimants. The flats were handed over after agreements were signed, leading both claimants to withdraw their case.

The claimants had argued that SIFCO’s decision to withhold the flats was invalid as the requirement to limit benefits to a single housing scheme was not stated during the application process or in the receipt letters. They demanded the enforcement of the original agreement and the handover of keys.

Responding to the controversy, the MNDF clarified that no single soldier had received flats under both schemes. They noted, however, that instances might occur where a married couple within the force could each benefit from separate schemes.

The distribution of SIFCO Hiyaa flats, developed for MNDF personnel in Hulhumalé, commenced in September 2023. The current administration has provided a one-year deferral on rent payments for these flats.

The housing project for police officers and soldiers was initially contracted to Noomadi in 2013 but faced years of delays. The agreement with Noomadi was nullified in 2016, and a Chinese company was subsequently contracted to complete the development.

The project comprises three towers with a total of 691 apartments, of which 330 three-room units, measuring 1,100 square feet each, are allocated to MNDF soldiers.