Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam has stated that there are delays in issuing flats to recipients, in order to ensure accountability and answers for those citizens who have been removed from the revised list of flat recipients.
Minister Aslam made the remarks in an appearance on Raajje TV's "Fashaa Iru" programme, stating that the final list of flat recipients had been compiled by the housing committee. However, Minister Aslam noted that there were other facets to be reviewed on behalf of the ministry before the flats are issued. This includes ensuring whether Hiyaa flat recipients have been issued housing from other projects, and to confirm the status of those with disabilities, and single parents who are due to receive flats under the list.
Minister Aslam noted that there were around 200 or so people registered to other housing under the list even now.
Declaring that it was not their intention to not issue housing to the most deserving, Minister Aslam affirmed that there were nonetheless many things to be confirmed so the Ministry of Housing could provide adequate those who will not be issued Hiyaa flats following the findings of their review. Minister Aslam assured that efforts were being made to ascertain that all those deserving of flats would receive housing from under the programme. Some issued comparatively expensive housing from under the scheme will also have the opportunity to let go of flats issued to them as well, in which case it would be allocated to those in greater need of social housing.
While the list of recipients of Hiyaa flats have been compiled twice under two successive governments, the incumbent administration notes that there are many differences between the first and second lists. As such, the government highlights that more changes could be brought to the second list as there were numerous complaints this time around as well.
The Solih administration had previously stated that keys for housing under the Hiyaa scheme would be issued to flat recipients in March, but the date has since been delayed to April.