Minister of Housing and Urban Development Aminath Athifa Shakoor has revealed the number of flats from the social housing schemes, initiated by the previous administration, will decrease once changes are made by the current administration. The housing minister made the statement while answering questions posed by members of parliament.
At the parliament, the housing minister said the housing project to develop 7,000 housing units, consists of 6,880 2 bedroom apartments, amounting to only 50 square feet. The minister said while the units developed in 25-storey towers, the units are not suitable for families to live. In this regard, she noted the government has decided to change some two bedroom apartments to 3 bedroom apartment without bringing changes to the structure. She revealed following the changes, it is expected the number of two bedroom apartments to decrease to 1,104 units.
Highlighting the social housing units also consist of 2,484 3 bedroom apartments, Minister Athifa noted the total number is expected to decrease to 3,588 units. Furthermore, the housing minister revealed changes are being made to accommodate as many people and families altogether.
The minister said while the development of 2,500 housing units have not yet begun, the units are also designed as 2 bedroom apartments. She added the government has also decided to develop the units as three bedroom apartments.
Moreover, Minister Athifa assured assessing the former administration's housing projects are currently underway. In addition, she noted the government's plan to build additional 4,000 housing units this year.