No flat/fine concessions detrimental to government: Pres

During last night's Hulhumale' Phase 1 community meeting, some residents said that their concerns had ended with the government forgiving the fines accrued due to rent payment failures for government flats.

Some people also said that this may bring about losses to the state and cultivate a culture of non-payment of rent.

After listening to the concerns of residents during the community meeting held at Rehendhi School, Hulhumale', President Muizzu said that the fines of flats owners (who were awarded the flats through various government housing schemes) and other concessions are being given after lengthy discussions are held. He also said that no decisions are made that would harm the Maldivian community.

"We do not offer concessions or fine forgiveness that may become an obstacle to government or international debt, as is a part of our plan. We are making such decisions in an sustainable manner, in a way that would not cause difficulties to citizens and within the boundaries that have been set," said President Muizzu.

As per the President, the government will see whether the flats were built free of charge or whether it was built under a loan agreement, even though flat fines are forgiven or concessions given. The President also said that just as rent has been reduced for flats built in the Male' region, rent will also be reduced for flats in islands as part of his pledge.

"The rent was reduced under a certain regulation, within certain boundaries. All citizens are equal. The government will not discriminate against any citizen from one another," said President Muizzu.

Last week, the government forgave the latest fines that were accrued by those living in Hulhumale' Phase 2 Hiyaa Flats under the social housing scheme due to them not paying rent on time to Housing Development Corporation (HDC), with rent and security deposits having been reduced as well.

The rent and security deposit for the 4,000 flats built by Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) in Hulhumale' Phase 2 was reduced last week. The rent for the two-room apartments has been reduced from MVR 7,000 to MVR 6,000. The rent for the three-room apartments has been reduced from MVR 9,000 to MVR 8,500. The maintenance fee of MVR 1,000 is to stay unchanged.

The government also announced the reduction of the security deposits for the two-room apartments from MVR 15,000 to MVR 6,000. The security deposits for the three-room apartments were reduced from MVR 25,000 to MVR 8,500.

The fines that were accrued in 2023 have also been forgiven. As per the letter sent by HDC last week to apartment owners who have not paid rent, the fines accumulated between 1st January 2024 to November 2025 were forgiven.

The monthly rent for the two-room apartments in the Hiyaa Tower is MVR 3,984, with a maintenance fee of MVR 1,000 and HDC being owed MVR 4,984.