Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services has revealed several individuals and families have requested to leave Male’ City over failure to pay rent amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Speaking at the daily press briefing held at National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), Deputy Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services Fathimath Yumna said the number of individuals seeking assistance from the ministry after being unable to pay rent has been increasing significantly. As such, she noted 220 individuals have requested assistance from the ministry over failure to pay rent, including 41 during last week alone. She added these individuals and families are requesting the ministry to provide arrangements to return to their home islands.
The deputy minister said the loss of income and job security has led to severe difficulties in managing finances for most families. She said citizens of both Male’ and the atolls have been seeking assistance from the ministry amid the COVID-19 crisis.
The deputy minister revealed individuals who seek assistance from the ministry following eviction from rented apartments are being provided temporary shelters in Hulhumale’. She added the ministry is also working with the relevant government agencies in making travel arrangements for individuals who wish to return to their home islands.