Fayyaz: Will control rent of govt. issued flats, if leased by owner

Main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s chairperson and Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail has stated that policies will be altered to accommodate the leasing of government-subsidized flats to third parties in accordance with stipulated regulations.  

Speaking at a campaign event of MDP held in Hulhumale’ Phase II on Friday night – Fayyaz said flats issued by the government, on lower prices, are not issued for the purpose of recipients getting rich by leasing. He stressed that such projects are carried out through taxpayer monies to ensure housing for recipients.

“We are thinking of altering policies to allow leasing of government-subsidized flats issued on lower prices to a third party other than the respective recipient of the flat in accordance with regulations set down,” he said.

Fayyaz said the administration will allow recipients of flats to use them as a source of income if they wish. However, he said that the rent of such flats will be decided under a rent control system to ensure the protection of the tenant.

“In a second term, this will be settled in a manner most beneficial to all concerned parties after discussions with the people,” he added.

Fayyaz, citing the current administration as the one that has based its decisions on its subsequent benefits for people, highlighted the priority the administration had allocated for housing.

He emphasized that there was no doubt President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih would win the upcoming presidential election to secure a second term in office.

“We have almost reached success, but we should work towards ensuring it does slip out of our hands,” he added.