President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said the government would look into complaints from Hiyaa flat residents and address the issues.
The President made the statement at a ceremony held Thursday to launch the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) buses in Hulhumale' Phase II.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Solih said the residents of Hulhumale Phase II are still sharing their concerns and that complaints are submitted to the President's Office. He noted that the main concern was the high rent charged for the Hiyaa social housing flats. Several other complaints had also been received, he said.
"We are closely looking into the complaints regarding the major challenges faced by the people residing in Hulhumale' Phase II and the services they require. We will take immediate action and continue to do our best to resolve their issues," the President said.
The President said the various complaints received by the President's Office are being looked into as closely as possible and that he was in daily discussions with Vice President Faisal Naseem and Minister Ahmed Sameer to find solutions. He repeatedly assured that the complaints would be addressed and resolved.
A population of 70,000 in Hulhumale Phase II
The President said that about 15,000 people are already living in Hulhumale' Phase II and that the population in the area is expected to increase to 40,000 when all flats in the Hiyaa towers are occupied.
"Furthermore, the population in Hulhumale' Phase II is expected to increase to 70,000 with the [completion] of 4,000 flats, 2,000 flats,6,000 flats being constructed, and 1,000 plots that would be issued from Hulhumale' Phase II. The services to be provided will increase greatly," the President said.
The President said the transportation system must be further strengthened and enhanced by then and that health services should be made more accessible. He said the number of schools in the area should also be increased.
"One of the most difficult problems faced when these flats were built was the lack of planned parking for cars, bicycles and other vehicles. I believe HDC should find a solution to this. If this is not included in the plan, it must be integrated into the plan to bring ease to the people living here," the President said.
Ten schools, a hospital, and three clinics
The President said that he was working hard to provide services to the people living in Hulhumale' Phase II.
In this regard, the construction of schools in the area is being carried out at a swift pace, he said. The government will build a total of 10 schools, including eight schools and two preschools in Phase II, he said.
".. One school and two preschools have already been completed and opened. The construction of Salahuddin School, which is currently underway, will hopefully be completed and opened by January 2023. The two preschools will be completed and in service by August 2023,"
The President further said that while two temporary mosques built by the government and two mosques built by private individuals are in use in Phase II, the government is already building another mosque that can accommodate 3,000 people. He said a private party was also constructing an additional mosque in the area.
President Solih said the government would be establishing three clinics and three pharmacies to provide health services in the Hiyaa area. In addition, HDC is already preparing to tender for the establishment of additional hospitals and health facilities in Phase II, he said.
"As far as I know, about 85 percent of the roads [in Phase II] have also been completed," he said.
