Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has decided to allow the first floor of buildings in Hulhumale’ to be used for commercial purposes.
HDC made the decision in accordance with the Ministry of Economic Development’s request to provide more opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). As such, the state-owned company has allowed shops, restaurants, and other businesses to be established on the first floor of the buildings. It stated that the first floor and garages cannot be used by industrial businesses.
HDC stated that allowing the commercial use of the first floor of buildings will allow more businesses to provide their services to residents of Hulhumale’, which will increase public convenience and allow for the development of SMEs.
The economic ministry has been assisting the development of SMEs by providing loans through the SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC). The number of SMEs has grown since the COVID-19 pandemic.