Home being built for disadvantaged family in Felidhoo

Vaavu Atoll Council has announced seeking contractors to provide permanent housing for a disadvantaged family in Vaavu atoll Felidhoo.

Vaavu Atoll Council President Shujau Ali, speaking with Mihaaru News, said that this initiative is undertaken jointly by the council, charitable organizations, and the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

Shujau said that this family was identified as being in severe need of assistance in 2022. This came to light when a child from the family, who had been under state care, turned 18 and needed to be returned to the family.

"When we tried to return the child to the family, we came to know about their poor living conditions. That's when we realized we needed to work together to help them," he said.

Discussions were held with the Gender Ministry during the previous administration regarding this matter.

According to Shujau, their first task was to locate the inherited land belonging to the family.

"The father of three children has an inherited plot of land. We worked to locate the inherited land, and the court has now confirmed ownership and the design has also been completed," he said, explaining why the work hadn't begun earlier.

Due to various reasons, the actual construction work hasn't started yet. However, in preparation for the work, the family was relocated to a former Gender Ministry office building in Felidhoo. They have been living in this two-bedroom house with a sitting room for two years now.

The family includes a 20-year-old male and two two children under the age of 18, all of whom have various mental health issues.

Shujau said that after the change in administration, following consultations with the ministry, they have now announced seeking a contractor.

According to the announcement, following an information session to be held on January 15, tenders must be submitted by January 26. The tender is open to registered businesses and those registered under the Sole Proprietorship Act.

While assisting the family living in inadequate and unsafe conditions, Shujau said that Vaavu Atoll has relatively few families in need of support. He noted that the atoll is considered wealthy, and it's hard to believe that anyone should be enduring such living conditions.