The Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services has provided temporary shelter for a total of 96 homeless individuals in the Greater Malé Region.

Speaking to press on Wednesday, the spokesperson of the government’s Covid-19 taskforce, the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), Mohamed Mabrook Aziz revealed that the total number of individuals who were rescued by authorities while out stranded on the streets has reached 96 as of Wednesday.

As such, Mabrook revealed that this includes those who forced out of their homes due to failure in paying rent during a time the country is facing the Covid-19 crisis.

Highlighting that the total also includes persons with special needs, Mabrook assured that arrangements for the treatment they require, are also underway.

A number of drug users were also rescued and work is currently underway to rehabilitate them.

Individuals who are distressed or have been asked to move out of their homes have been asked to contact the Gender Ministry through 3328393 for assistance.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dr. Abdulla Fairoosh earlier revealed that a number of homeless individuals were taken under the care of authorities from several districts in the capital city, following the lockdown declared by the authorities on 15 April.

In light of the concerning reports of individuals being forced out of their homes due to failure in paying rent has churned public outcry, and the government has since then, urged landlords to refrain from this inhumane act.

During Wednesday’s sitting of the People’s Majlis, an emergency motion was submitted to look into this matter as a high priority, by Maduvvari MP Adam Shareef Umar.