Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has revealed temporary accommodation quarters are being developed in Hulhumale' to house over 2,600 expatriates.
HDC said temporary quarters are being developed in Hulhumale' Phase 2, with assistance from private companies. HDC said 2,684 expatriates can be accommodated in the facilities, which are being developed under 3 projects. The corporation said 50% of the development has now been completed.
HDC opened the opportunity for private companies to assist the corporation in establishing expatriate shelters. Five companies applied to assist the development of accommodation facilities which have been distributed into three separate projects.
HDC revealed Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) and JAUSA Construction Private Limited have been working with State Trading Organisation (STO) in developing a facility to accommodate 1,292 expatriates. The facility will include 6 building blocks, 96 toilets, and a canteen with the capacity of accommodating 310 people at a time. HDC said over 50% of the project has been completed, adding the project is expected to be completed by May 18.
Furthermore, China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) is assisting the development of a facility to accommodate 800 expatriates. The facility will include 6 building blocks with 84 toilets and a canteen which can be used by up to 175 people at a time. HDC said over 60% of the project has been completed, while the project is expected to be fully completed by May 18.
In addition, SJ Construction Private Limited and FEDO Private Limited are working with Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) in developing an accommodation facility to shelter 592 expatriates. Under this project, 6 prefabricated accommodation blocks are being developed with 42 toilets and a canteen with a capacity of 154 people. HDC informed over 50% of the project has been completed, while this project is also expected to reach completion by May 18.
Meanwhile, HDC has also developed a 667-bed accommodation facility to provide shelter for expatriates in Hulhumale'. The government has been relocating expatriates living in congested spaces in Male' City to new facilities, as part of the efforts to reduce the risk of community transmission of COVID-19.