Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services has announced the decision to remove the temporary shelters established in Male' City for families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The gender ministry said 253 individuals were provided with temporary shelters over disruptions caused due to COVID-19, of which 240 individuals have been sent back to their native islands following the ease in restrictions in the Greater Male' Region. The ministry said only 13 individuals, who are part of one family, are currently residing in a temporary shelter. Noting the family had refused to return to their native island for personal reasons, the ministry said the family has been asked to arrange accommodation and move out of the temporary shelter as the financial assessment conducted on the family indicates their situation has improved.
The gender ministry further revealed it has decided to remove the temporary shelters established for families affected by COVID-19. The ministry said it is currently in the process of handing over the building which was provided by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment for temporary shelters.
The gender ministry began providing temporary shelters for families affected by COVID-19 after several families were evicted from their apartments due to being unable to pay rent amid the financial crisis caused by COVID-19. Temporary shelters were also provided for individuals who had arrived in Male' City for medical or other purposes and were stranded due to the lockdown imposed in the capital.
Following the ease of restrictions, the gender ministry coordinated efforts with the relevant authorities to transfer all individuals in temporary shelters to their native islands.