State Electric Company (STELCO) has connected electricity to units of 95 percent of the customers that sought electricity services at the state ‘Hiyaa’ housing units.

STELCO revealed that of the total of 6,720 housing units, agreements were reached for the provision of electricity, with 6.106 owners. Of this, 5,828 tenants have signed the agreements.

The company revealed that of the signed agreements, the connection has not been made for 280 units, due to issues facing customers who were not able to present themselves. This, the company said is five percent of the total signed agreements.

An efficient way for these tenants to seek electricity services online, has since been paved.

The current rent of the Hiyaa flats stands at MVR 7,500, with tenants required to pay a fee of MVR 1,000 as a management fee.

The loan taken to construct the flats is to be settled within 25 years.

This comes at a time a petition regarding issues revolving around the ‘Hiyaa’ housing units has been submitted to the People’s Majlis.

In a meeting with relevant authorities in connection to the petition, MP for Hoarafushi constituency, Ahmed Saleem asserted that the rent of the housing units needs to be reduced to MVR 5,000, even if it means subsidization from the government.

The petition in question, demands for the rent to be reduced to MVR 5,600, extend the period granted for the finishing and furnishing of the flats to 12 months as well as reducing MVR 100,000 from the total rent of the flats.

China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited was tasked with the construction of 16 25-story towers under the “Hiyaa” scheme. An agreement was signed between the state and the company on July 20, 2016, to complete the project within two years. The construction work under the project commenced on December 19, 2017.

The government of Maldives conducted the project after acquiring a loan of USD 434 million.

The project drew public criticism, after photos and videos of what the apartments look like on the inside, began circulating among the people. Some citizens have voiced concern over the additional expenses as well as inadequate spaces at the flats. Recipients of the flats are required to lay tiles, install doors, ceiling fans as well as lights, electrical wiring and TV cables themselves.