Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam has revealed over 21,000 families in Male' City are accommodated in places unfit for living.
Speaking at a press conference held to provide information on the housing projects of the administration, Minister Aslam said there are thousands of families in Male' City in need of an urgent solution for housing problems. In this regard, the minister revealed over 21,000 families are currently accommodated in places unfit for living. He added a place is deemed unfit to accommodate a family if the floor space is smaller than 600 square feet.
Speaking further, the housing minister said the Hiyaa housing project, which was launched by the previous administration, consists of units with a floor space of 675 square feet. He said although that is below the standards set by the current administration for social housing, efforts are currently focused on providing housing for families living in inadequate spaces.
Noting the quality of housing is largely dependent on household income, the housing minister revealed 15% of the population in Male' City are classified as poor, with a daily income of less than USD 5 per head. The minister added 24% of the population is barely able to make ends meet, while 33% of the population generates a moderate level income. He noted 28% of the population can be classified as wealthy.