Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has launched the development of the rowhouses in Dhidhdhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll. The foundation of the project was laid by Minister of State for National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Akram Kamaluddin.
The planning ministry revealed the project involves developing 75 two-story rowhouses, each consisting of an area of 700sqft. Each unit will have three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a sitting room, a kitchen, a dining room, a laundry area, and a storeroom. A park and a vehicle-parking area will also be developed as part of the project.
The contract for the project was handed over to SJ Construction Private Limited on August 10. The project was awarded on a design-and-build basis, at a price of USD7.8 million.
Speaking at the ceremony held to mark the commencement of the project, State Minister Akram said the government had reclaimed land for housing in Dhidhdhoo, adding 250 rowhouses were planned to be developed on the island. He said the rowhouses were not completed and subsequent governments neglected the project, adding the rowhouses were left in ruins without completion. He noted the current administration has completed the entire project and handed over the houses to their rightful owners.
Dhidhdhoo has a population of over 5,000 and the lack of adequate housing is one of the main problems faced by residents of the island due to the rising population. The project is part of the government’s efforts to resolve housing issues faced across the country.