Sobah slams government's allocation of FDC flats
Housing rights unions have raised concerns over the Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) flat agreements, claiming the terms are detrimental to the public. These organizations expressed further apprehension regarding the lack of adequate municipal services at the housing sites and criticized the government for failing to prioritize essential housing projects.
Sobah Rasheed, Spokesperson for the unions advocating for the right to housing. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
Sobah Rasheed, spokesperson for the unions advocating for housing rights, has criticized the government's allocation of Fahi Dhiriulhun flats, comparing the process to the local proverb of "giving a cow to the poor boy of Hithadhoo"—implying a gift that brings more burden than benefit.
He made these remarks while speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program.
Sobah stated that the agreement with Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) is structured as a lease agreement. He noted that those who were allocated the flats currently have no means to transfer their residency registration to the premises. Consequently, under these terms, Sobah argued that FDC remains the legal owner of the property. He further highlighted that the agreement was drafted with numerous provisions that could penalize the public, including substantial fines. However, he pointed out that there is no robust system in place to oversee or regulate these matters.
Sobah noted that the population residing in each tower of the 'Fahi Dhiriulhun' housing project is equivalent to that of an entire inhabited island. Consequently, he emphasized that these towers require municipal services on a scale comparable to those provided to an entire island community.
"Whether it is public restrooms, waste management systems, or landscaping, all these municipal services must be maintained at the standard required for a typical residential island," he stated.
He stated that the government’s rhetoric regarding the project consisted of empty promises, noting a significant disparity between their claims and the actual services being provided at the Fahi Dhiriulhun flats.
Despite claims that the 2025 budget is focused on housing, no new housing projects have been initiated by the end of the year, which remains a significant concern for the public. He noted that the benefits of a robust housing policy were evident in the previous administration's housing projects, which demonstrated how such initiatives directly serve the people.
