During the final session of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s series of meetings with residents from various neighborhoods in Malé, Hulhumalé 1, and Hulhumalé 2, a primary concern raised by Hulhumalé 1 residents was the potential waiver of fines incurred due to unpaid rent for government-issued flats. Some individuals expressed apprehension that such waivers could lead to financial losses for the state and potentially foster a culture of non-payment.
In response to these concerns, President Dr. Muizzu stated that any decision regarding the waiver of flat fines or the provision of other forms of relief would only be made after thorough study. This study would ensure that such measures do not harm the Maldivian economy or impede the state’s planned debt repayment initiatives. The President further assured that these matters would be handled through an equitable process, ensuring that the public is not unduly burdened. In line with this, the rent for flats in other islands has also been reduced, mirroring similar adjustments made for state-provided flats in the Malé region.
Last week, the government announced reductions in rent and security deposits for certain flats in Hulhumalé, along with the waiver of some fines accumulated from unpaid rent. For the 4,000 flats built by Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) in Hulhumalé 2, the rent for two-bedroom flats has been reduced from MVR 7,000 to MVR 6,000, and for three-bedroom flats from MVR 9,000 to MVR 8,500. The MVR 1,000 maintenance fee remains unchanged. Furthermore, the security deposit for two-bedroom flats has been lowered from MVR 15,000 to MVR 6,000, and for three-bedroom flats from MVR 25,000 to MVR 8,500.
Additionally, all fines for unpaid rent on Hiyaa flats in Hulhumalé 2, accrued up to November of this year, have been waived. While fines for 2023 had been previously waived, this recent waiver specifically applies to fines accumulated from January 1, 2024, onwards. The monthly rent for Hiyaa flats is MVR 3,984, bringing the total amount payable to HDC each month, including the maintenance fee, to MVR 4,984.
