Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has hired a contractor to build 200 housing units in Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
The ministry contracted a joint venture of Sierra Construction Private Limited and Star Contraction Private Limited to build the housing units. At the ceremony, Director General Ahmed Vishan signed the agreement on behalf of the planning ministry and M. H. Prashad Erathunaa signed on behalf of the joint venture.
The contractor is tasked with designing and building the housing units within 540 days at a cost of USD16 million, which is allocated to the public sector investment programme (PSIP) budget. Each housing unit is required to measure 700sqft and consist of three rooms, three bathrooms, and a sitting room. Each unit will also have a kitchen, laundry, and store room. The area surrounding the housing units is required to be well-lit and have a public park and parking space.
Thinadhoo has a population of 7,500 residents. Thinadhoo Island Council expressed hope that the project will ease the housing problem on the island.
The government has announced it is seeking contractors to build 30-100 housing units in nine islands, and is also seeking a contractor to build 400 housing units in Kulhudhuffushi City. Many housing projects have been handed over to contractors while some have begun the fieldwork.