President announces plans to build 138 housing units for soldiers

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced plans to build 138 housing units for soldiers in Hulhumale’ Phase II.

He made the announcement during the ceremony held at Kalhuthukkalaa Koshi on Tuesday to mark the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF)’s 131st anniversary.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Solih said construction of the housing units for soldiers will begin this year.

He added that bidding will also be opened this year for construction of a 480-unit accommodation block and 100-unit accommodation block for soldiers at the Kalhuthukkalaa Koshi.

President Solih also promised to affect positive changes to the pay of police and soldiers “soon”. He said the Pay Commission is currently reviewing the changes.

He said that work on the MNDF flats in Hulhumale’, which began in 2014, during former president Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik’s administration, had resumed after a years-long pause.

“We are doing a lot to improve the welfare of soldiers. The top priority right now is housing. The flats which SIFCO began building in Hulhumale’ had been on pause for a long time. The work has now resumed,” he said.

Defense Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi said the SIFCO Hiyaa flats will be complete next month.