Hinnavaru housing project halted, buildings left to deteriorate

The housing units project initiated in Hinnavaru island of Lhaviyani atoll has come to a standstill, with partially constructed buildings now showing visible signs of deterioration.

The project was launched to address Hinnavaru’s longstanding housing shortage, following strong appeals from residents to the former administration of ex-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. In response, the government initiated a plan to construct 100 housing units on the island and practical work had commenced before the change in administration.

Since the transition of government, however, work on the project has been fully suspended. Local residents have expressed growing concern as the unfinished structures continue to deteriorate due to prolonged exposure and lack of maintenance.

The contract for the construction of the 100 housing units was awarded to Don Bez Private Limited on 6 July 2022, under funding from the Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP). The agreement, valued at MVR 83.8 million, stipulated completion within one year.

Under the plan, the project included 50 two-storey row houses measuring 700 square feet each, and 50 single-storey units of 1,000 square feet. Each unit was designed to feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a sitting room, kitchen, dining area, laundry and storage space.

With construction halted and the buildings left incomplete, concerns are mounting over the potential loss of public funds and the continued housing difficulties faced by Hinnavaru residents.