Housing Minister: Hiyaa flats could take eight more months

Housing Minister Mohamed Aslam has said that the Hiyaa flats commenced during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen will be priced at around MVR 7,000.

During a press conference today, Minister Aslam said that the government would uphold the pledges made by the government regarding housing.

“The government will uphold the pledges made by the government. I do not remember exactly, but it will be below MVR 7,000.” Said Minister Aslam.

The Minister’s remarks are in contrast with the previously estimated price of the flats by the current administration, which is MVR 11,000 on average.

Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Managing Director Suhail Ahmed has previously said that a Hiyaa flat could cost as much as MVR 11,000 per month on a 20-year basis.

Minister Aslam also said that it may take around eight more months before the flats could be fully used by tenants. 

Remaining work of the flats include flooring works, said the Minister.

According to the Minister, the contractor had completed all of the work stipulated as per the contract with the exception of flooring.

“That (flooring work) may take around eight months, the contractor has informed HDC. 

Electricity work and water supply to the flats are to be conducted through MWSC and STELCO. Electrical work could take around six months while water supply works could take as long as eight months.