Former government blamed for unfinished housing projects

Housing Minister Aminath Athifa Shukoor on Monday blamed stalled construction work under the previous government for delays in completing housing projects on several islands.

The minister was summoned to parliament to answer a question posed by MP Hassan Afeef about the stalled construction of 60 housing units on Vilufushi island in his constituency. The lawmaker asked when construction could resume and whether the ministry would address concerns about the design.

In response, Athifa said work was stalled or left unfinished on more than 1,450 housing units across the country when the new government took office in November, including projects on Hanimaadhoo, Kulhudhuffushi and Nolhivaranfaru in Haa Dhaalu atoll and Vilufushi in Thaa atoll.

“A majority of these were left without any caretaker. This has led to severe damage,” she said.

In some cases where the structure was done, the units were not ready for habitation due to lack of essential services, she noted, adding that the new administration allocated MVR127 million (US$8 million) to finish some of the stalled projects.

But more funds would have to be allocated in next year’s budget to complete the rest of the projects, she said, including the housing units on Vilufushi.

The design of the units was the same one used for other housing projects and the ministry has not received any complaints, she said.

Former housing minister Dr Mohamed Muizzu was not answering when contacted for a response to the claims.