'1450 housing units have become run-down due to negligence' - Housing Min.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development Aminath Athifa Shakoor has stated that the construction of 1450 housing units in some islands were halted before completion, and some of the buildings are now run-down and dilapidated as a result of being neglected.

Athifa was summoned to parliament for questioning on Monday. Answering questions asked by Vilufushi MP on why the construction of housing units in Vilufushi island had been halted, Athifa said the construction of 1450 housing units had commenced across different islands before the government of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih began administration. However, work on about 1450 housing units were halted mid-construction, said Athifa.

"Basic services necessary for living in some building were not set up, while others have become run down and dilapidated due to negligence", said Athifa.

The Minister further said when the the issue came to the government's attention, work was commenced to complete the housing units due to be completed by the end of the year, by carrying out minor renovations. The government enhanced the ministry's budget by an additional MVR 127 million to make these housing units suitable for occupancy. Budget will be allocated for 2020 to complete the remaining housing units, said Minister Athifa.

While work on housing units being constructed in Hdh. Hanimaadhoo, Hdh. Kulhudhuffushi, Hdh. Nolhivaramfaru and Th. Vilufushi are at a halt, the structural work of 64 out of 100 housing units being constructed in Vilufushi are complete. Work on the remaining 36 housing units have not commenced thus far, she informed.