Over 11,000 forms submitted for Hiyaa flats

More than 11,000 forms had been submitted by last Friday for a flagship housing project, as the deadline for applications loomed.

In an interview with Public Service Media Housing Minister Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said 11,752 forms had been received.

He also said 1,536 forms were submitted in two days for the “total solution” Hiyaa Accomplished housing project which has yet to start.

Housing is a hot-button issue in the Maldives, where 39 percent of the country’s population is squeezed onto the capital island.

Thousands migrate to the capital in search of jobs, better education and healthcare, making Malé one of the world’s most densely populated cities.

Hiyaa was launched at a groundbreaking ceremony last November and consists of 36 towers, with apartments to house 80,000 people in Hulhumalé.

Hiyaa Accomplished was announced in July to develop “a second city” near the capital to house a population of 315,000.

The deadline to submit forms for Hiyaa ends August 31. The ministry earlier this month opened applications for the Hiyaa Accomplished project.

Ministry spokesman Ahmed Fazal was not responding to calls when contacted by the Maldives Independent for questions about the two projects.

But Muizzu earlier told Mihaaru that agreements would be signed with Hiyaa flat-winners before the end of this year.

They will be able to live in their new flats by next April, he added. Referring to the Hiyaa Accomplished project, Muizzu said over 6,000 forms were taken in a week.

“Although work is yet to begin, this shows the Maldivian people have confidence that President Abdulla Yameen will fulfill his pledges,” he was quoted as saying by Avas.

No cost estimates, sources of finance, time-frame, categories or work schedule have been given for the ambitious plan, which was revealed weeks before a presidential election.

The May launch event for Hiyaa applications descended into farce, with forms for the flats running out in 30 minutes, the website crashing due to demand and police shutting the door in people’s faces.