JP leader Qasim Ibrahim has pledged to waive off the rent for Hiyaa flats during his presidency.
The 2023 presidential candidate has stated that one of his top priorities upon assuming office would be to exempt the rent for the social housing towers in Hulhumalé. This pledge comes in response to the incumbent government's decision to reduce the rent for Hiyaa flats.
During the 158th council meeting of JP, Qasim criticized the housing policies of the current government alleging that while the state sold land plots in Hulhumalé to many individuals, it had distributed land plots to only a few without charge.
JP Leader Gasim Ibrahim pledges waiving off Hiyaa Flat rent in his presidency--
Among the various social housing initiatives in Hulhumalé, Hiyaa flats, developed during the administration of former president Abdulla Yameen, have received the highest number of complaints regarding the monthly rent. However, the current government has taken steps to address this issue by reducing the monthly rent, including the maintenance fee. The rental rate has been reduced from MVR 8,000 to MVR 6,300, effective from June 2023 for the next seven years.
During his speech, Qasim alleged the current administration of influencing independent commissions and bodies.
Qasim Ibrahim urged the Maldivian public to consider their votes carefully in the upcoming presidential election on September 9.