An assessment is to be carried out on the Hiyaa and Sinamale' flats to address longstanding maintenance concerns, Housing Minister Abdulla Muththalib has said.
President Mohamed Muizzu met residents of the Hiyaa and Sinamale' flats at Muliaage yesterday, where occupants raised multiple issues regarding the deteriorating condition of the buildings.
Referring to the meeting in a social media post, Minister Muththalib said that although the flats fall under the jurisdiction of the Male' City Council, the ministry had decided to conduct a technical assessment given that the matter concerns public safety and residents’ wellbeing.
The minister noted that when President Muizzu served as Mayor of Male', a decision had been taken to demolish the ageing Sinamale' and Hiyaa flats and construct new housing units for residents. A design agreement was signed with Hong Kong-based SF Project Consultancy on 17 August 2023.
Subsequently, Male' City Council signed an agreement to construct 1,500 housing units on a 23,476 square metre site that includes the current Hiyaa and Sinamale' flats. However, 3,310 square metres were later excluded due to the presence of a handball court, reducing the total number of planned units to 1,360.
On 5 January, the President announced a waiver of penalties imposed on flat owners for non-payment and introduced a financial allowance scheme. Male' City Council was informed on 7 January, and residents were officially notified on Sunday.
Under the President’s decision:
- All penalties on the flats will be fully waived.
- Flat owners will receive an allowance of MVR 100,000 in light of the structural deterioration and prolonged lack of resolution.
- If a flat owner’s outstanding dues exceed MVR 100,000, the allowance will be deducted from the total owed.
- If the outstanding amount is less than MVR 100,000, the balance will be credited to the owner’s account.
- Those who have already fully paid for their flats will receive a lump sum of MVR 100,000.
During the meeting, President Muizzu said he was deeply concerned about the dilapidated state of the buildings. He discussed government efforts to improve living standards and social wellbeing, and listened to residents’ concerns.
Earlier this year, Male' City Council said the existing buildings would be demolished once temporary housing arrangements are made for residents.
