Social housing rent disparities must be eliminated to ensure equality: Fahi Union

The Fahi Union has called for an end to disparities in social housing rents and the establishment of equality across the sector.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Ibrahim Nooredeen, President of the Fahi Union, stated that the disparities in rent among various social housing flats must be eliminated. He emphasized that regardless of which administration is in power, it is essential to reduce rents across all units to ensure equality for all tenants.

Nooredeen stated that while he does not wish to draw comparisons between the Hiyaa flats and other social housing projects, the current circumstances are inevitably giving rise to such comparisons.

He noted that it is not just the residents of Hiyaa flats, but also those living in other social housing units who are among the most vulnerable citizens, and emphasized that rent relief should be extended to everyone. He further stated that the reduction in rent for Hiyaa flats is not a cause for concern, but rather a welcome development that he supports.

Furthermore, Nooredeen expressed his hope that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu would eliminate the existing disparities regarding the flats and ensure equality for all.

The reality is that all social housing projects are fundamentally the same. Ideally, we would want to see rents reduced to the point where tenants do not have to pay anything at all, including for the Hiyaa flats. The people living here are citizens just like those elsewhere, and many are living in very difficult and impoverished conditions. Therefore, the rent should be reduced here as well. Our concern is not that the rent for Hiyaa flats has been lowered; in fact, we are very happy about that. However, this disparity must end, and the President must ensure equality for all.

Ibrahim Nooredeen, President of Fahi Union

At the same time, he emphasized the importance of conducting thorough technical research and adhering to established procedures when managing social housing projects. Nooredeen further stated that Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation cannot simply draft and implement policies on a whim whenever they wish to initiate a project.

Under the "Gedhoruveriya" housing project, the monthly rent for the 4,000 newly constructed flats in Hulhumale' has been set at MVR 8,000 for two-bedroom units and MVR 10,500 for three-bedroom units. In contrast, the total monthly payment for Hiyaa flats stands at MVR 4,984.21. While the public has raised concerns over this significant price disparity, the high rental rates of the Hiyaa flats themselves remain a contentious issue. Furthermore, Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Managing Director Ali Zuhair stated earlier this month that approximately 50 percent of tenants in social housing units allocated in Hulhumale' have failed to make their rental payments to the corporation.