Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam has stated that around 900 Hiyaa flats have been subleased at inflated prices.
Speaking with the Parliamentary Committee on National Development and Heritage, Minister Aslam provided details on the various issues at the Hiyaa flats in Hulhumale’ Phase II. He said that 50% of the flat owners are not residents of Male’ and that 900 flats have been subleased at a price that is above the price set by the government. He also noted that many of the owners are not paying their leases.
Furthermore, Minister Aslam said the current policies do not allow the government to take steps against those who have subleased their flats and those who are not paying their lease. He also said there is currently no means to determine how many are living at the flats illegally. He added that the ministry is working with the World Bank to establish a better system to provide housing and that there are currently challenges in solving the issues at the Hiyaa flats.
Residents began moving to the Hiyaa flats last year and 4,561 of the 6,872 apartments are now occupied, increasing the population of the Hiyaa towers to 22,000. It is estimated that about 35,000 people will be living in the Hiya flats once all flats are occupied.