President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced the government's decision to extend the deferment of rent on the Hiya flats for an additional three months, until the end of March. He announced the decision in his address to the nation at the special function held at the Republic Square to mark National Unity Day.
Around 5,000 families have moved to the Hiya flats since August, while renovation work is still ongoing, including laying tiles, installing doors and electrical equipment in the apartments. The government previously deferred the rent on the Hiya flats to provide Housing Development Corporation (HDC) three months to complete the renovation work. President Solih further extended the deadline to complete the renovation work by December.
Speaking at the function, President Solih said the government has further extended the deadline to allow the renovation work to be completed and for residents to be settled in by March 2022. The president said he recognises the plight of the Hiya flat owners and expressed hope the decision would address some of the flat owners' immediate concerns. He said the decision is part of the government's policy of listening to citizens and addressing their concerns.
Hiya is the largest public housing project in Hulhumale' Phase II, which began as 7,000 housing units. However, the number of units has since been decreased to 6,720 to accommodate over 25,000 people after reviewing allocated floor space for commercial purposes.