Request to have monthly payments for Hiyaa Flats cut to MVR 5,600

Former Minister of Housing and Mayor of Male' City Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has requested that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih consider reducing the monthly rent for Hiyaa Flats to MVR 5,600 as suggested under the previous administation.

Citizens receiving Hiyaa Flats will have to pay MVR 7,500 for a period of 25 years to cover the total payment. Tenants moving into the newly-built Hiyaa Flats will also be required to pay a flat maintenance fee of MVR 1,000. HDC has revealed that the government will be giving flat recipients a three-month moratorium on all rent payments following the signing of agreements as well.

As such, tenants living in Hiyaa Flats would have to pay a monthly rent and maintenance fee of MVR 8.500 under the current payment plan.

During a press conference held on Thursday night following a meeting with President Solih, Mayor Dr. Muizzu stated that he had relayed to President Solih that the current costs of Hiyaa Flats might be too big to bear for families in need of social housing. Especially highlighting that flat recipients would be forced to spend on the finishing of apartments themselves, Mayor Dr. Muizzu stated that it was estimated to cost MVR 200,000 and would be a heavy financial burden on working class families.

Mayor Dr. Muizzu also revealed that calculations after the fact had been conducted per his request by authorities at the President's Office during the Yaameen administration, and stated that reducing the monthly payments for Hiyaa Flats to MVR 5,600 was in the best interest of those in dire need of social housing.

In the press, Mayor Dr. Muizzu stated that even President Solih shared the belief that costs for Hiyaa Flats were too high, and revealed that the President had committed to discussions with Male' City Council and relevant authorities to explore how the financial burden could be reduced on families receiving flats under the scheme.