Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has stated the rent allocated for housing units issued under Hiya project cannot be reduced any further, as it would make it impossible to repay the loan taken for the project.
HDC has allocated a rent of USD 485 and a maintenance fee of USD 65 for Hiya flats, which brings the total monthly fee to be paid by flat owners to USD 550. Recipients of Hiya flats have expressed concern over this amount, stating the amount is too high for a social housing scheme. Recipients have called on the government to reduce the rent to USD 360.
Speaking to the press, Managing Director of HDC Suhail Ahmed said there is no decision to change the rent of Hiya flats, as the currently allocated amount is the minimum amount needed to repay the loan taken for the Hiya project. Therefore, he said the rent for Hiya flats will remain the same.
Speaking further, the managing director noted agreements are currently being signed with Hiya flat recipients, before issuing keys to the flats. Noting over 300 people are still yet to show up for signing in the first round of signing agreements, the managing director said if a recipient fails to show up for signing without any valid reason, HDC will not be able to extend the period given for finishing works of the flats.
During a press conference held earlier this week, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced the decision to extend the finishing period of Hiya flats until December. President Solih said the decision to extend the 3-month finishing period was made after careful consideration into the issues and concerns raised by recipients of Hiya flats. The president noted recipients will not be charged any rent during the finishing period.
Meanwhile, work is still ongoing to establish water and electricity services at the Hiya buildings. HDC stated recipients will be allowed to move into the apartments after the electricity services are established and the elevators are in operation.
Hiya is the largest public housing project in Hulhumale' Phase II, with 6,720 apartments accommodating over 25,000 people.