Army flats will be ready for occupation next month, Mariya says
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said that a 138-unit building will be constructed in the second phase of Hulhumale.
By
Fathmath Ahmed Shareef
Defence minister Mariya Ahmed Didi said on Tuesday that the long-delayed flats being developed in the first phase of Hulhumale for armed forces personnel will be available to move in next month.
Under the project to provide housing for police and army:
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SIFCO started construction of flats on 2 September 2013
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The work, which was scheduled to be completed within 18 months, was delayed for various reasons
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Private developer Noomadi was initially contracted to build the flats; the work is now being done by Amin Construction
Speaking at the 131st anniversary celebrations of the armed forces, Mariya said the SIFCO flats are nearing completion due to the importance given to the project by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
“The SIFCO development, which was just a concrete structure when this government took over, will be able for occupation by the end of this coming July,” she said.
More housing for armed forces
Speaking at the ceremony, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said that a 138-unit building will be constructed in the second phase of Hulhumale. Construction of the building will start this year, he said.
In addition, bids will be issued this year for the construction of a 480-person building and a 100-person building for the army accommodation at Kalhuthukkala Barracks, he said.
SIFCO and POLCO officials were produced before the State Owned Enterprises (SOE) committee of the parliament last year toe enquire about the delays in the flat project in Hulhumale. The committee's report last year said:
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The army and police flats have been delayed for more than nine years
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The total loan taken out by SIFCO is MVR 867 million
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POLCO has borrowed MVR 725.4 million
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The total loans for the project amount to MVR 1.5 billion
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Additional loans are required to complete the work
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The flats will become more expensive and the monthly rent will increase
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