Mayor Ismail Rafeeq of Fuvahmulah City Council has announced plans to construct 400 flats on 11 floors as part of a sustainable land utilisation initiative.
Emphasising the importance of proper resource allocation and sustainable land use, Mayor Rafeeq addressed the critical housing problem faced by Fuvahmulah City, which has been a significant social issue for the past five years.
Fuvahmulah City, like many other islands in the nation, has been grappling with housing challenges, as evidenced by the overwhelming response of over 800 applicants for 30 available flats five years ago. In collaboration with the government, the city council has been actively working towards effective solutions.
Further, Mayor disclosed that the construction of 400 housing units is currently underway. However, he expressed concerns about the pace of the development project, stating that progress has not met expectations.
The mayor unveiled plans for the establishment of five blocks in five different areas, expressing a request to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to expedite the project. The city council has handed over the required land for the project to a contractor, hoping that this initiative will alleviate the housing crisis in the city. Furthermore, the council has decided to increase the number of floors from the initially planned four to 11 in each of the five towers, aiming to eradicate the housing problem and make more efficient use of the available land.
While the registered residents in the city exceed 13,000, the total population of Fuvahmulah City, including migrants and employees residing on the island, is approximately 14,000.