Dr. Muizzu pledges Vinares Flat rent reduction

Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People's National Congress (PNC) coalition candidate and Malé City Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has promised to reduce the rents on Vinares housing flats.

Dr. Muizzu said that the current administration had set unaffordable rent rates for the housing flats.

While speaking at a campaign rally on Wednesday evening, September 13, Dr. Muizzu said that although the current government changed the initiative's name, the social housing project's agreement was signed during his tenure as the minister of housing.

He further said that he was aware of the exact project cost, details, and the original rent rates of the initiative.

Dr. Muizzu alleged that the current government has inflated the down payment of the Vinares social housing flats to MVR 200,000, coupled with the monthly rent, which goes against the policies of the previous government. Dr. Muizzu stressed that the current rates have been significantly increased and do not reflect the true price.

"I would like to assure you that I will reduce the hefty down payment and monthly rent to affordable rates for the public because that is attainable, and because I am aware of the project cost and the loan amount acquired for the development. Urbanco would generate a decent profit even with a rate reduction," Dr. Muizzu said.

Besides the Vinares social housing flats, Dr. Muizzu pledged to reduce the rental prices of all the social housing projects developed by state corporations under the Hiyaa initiative.

He said the initiative's main aim was to provide affordable housing for the public, and was never intended as a debt trap for them.

"Ours would not be such an unjust government," Dr. Muizz pledged.

During Wednesday evening's rally, Dr. Muizzu reiterated that his government would not revoke the housing units or plots granted to eligible recipients under the current government-initiated social housing projects. He also promised to include these initiatives in his 65,000-housing-unit vision.

"We will fulfill the housing pledge," Dr. Muizzu added.

The PPM/PNC coalition candidate said he was confident about the capability to deliver upon his pledges, which can be observed from the past as well.

He also stated that the decision in front of the public was an easy one, and there was no need for second-guessing.