The Maldives Parliament has passed the report prepared by the Social Affairs Committee on the programs being undertaken by the government to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report proposed that landlords arrange rent reduction for those who are unable to pay rent due to unfavourable financial circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Landlords will be mandated to offer some relief or reduction in rent for tenants, including both private and government parties. The report also proposed to ensure that those who may get evicted for failing to pay rent do not remain homeless, through the joint effort of the government and local councils.
The report prepared by the committee was passed with the votes of 66 MPs. No parliamentarians voted against the report.
Some of the amendments proposed to the report by opposing PPM include leasing the Hulhumale' Hiyaa Flats to its recipients at the earliest, and giving an allowance to families to assist in making rent. However, the amendments were not passed.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt public health and economic activities across the globe. Over 900 positive cases of the infection have been detected in the Maldives thus far, with authorities warning of dire times up ahead. While the full effects of the virus remain to be seen, the public has been advised to be prepare for an upcoming surge in number of infections.
