Nazim pledges MVR 4k Hiyaa flat rent; MVR 5k new mothers allowance

Maldives National Party (MNP) president and party's presidential candidate Mohamed Nazim on Wednesday pledged that he will further reduce the rent of the Hiyaa flats developed in Hulhumale Phase II to MVR 4,000 and give MVR 5,000 for first time mothers.

Nazim made the remarks at an event to launch the MNP's election manifesto at H. Meeruma Hall. At the event, a manifesto called 'Ujaala Zamaan', meaning a bright age, was launched and nine promises were announced.

On how to fulfil the pledges of the manifesto, Nazim said that he had listened to everyone's concerns before preparing the manifesto. He said that he spent a lot of time in Hulhumale on Tuesday as well and listened to the voices of many of the most vulnerable people.

Pointing out that it was difficult to even explain what he saw when he visited Hulhumale Phase II and checked the living conditions of the residents, Nazim promised to reduce the rent of Hiyaa flats to MVR 4,000 in his government.

"We will reduce the rent of Hiyaa flats within 30 days of my government," said Nazim, who is also the MP from Dhangethi constituency.

The rent for the Hiyaa flats, which was started by the previous government and handed over after the current government came to power, was initially set at MVR 8,500 with maintenance fee. 

However, for the next seven years, the rent for Hiyaa flats will be MVR 6,300 per month including MVR 1,000 charged for maintenance fee. The period for payment of rent has been lengthened from 25 years to 27 years.

Among the things to be done in the first 30 days, Nazim then mentioned an allowance of MVR 5,000 for new mothers. It is an incentive to ease the expenses of new mothers and their child, he said.

Some of the key promises made in Nazim's speech: