Qasim pledges free social housing under his presidency
In a tweet, Qasim said that land plots on the islands would be provided to locals free of charge if and when applicable.
Male: Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim, who is contending this year’s presidential race, has pledged to waive rents for all social housing projects initiated by previous governments.
In a tweet, Qasim said that land plots on the islands would be provided to locals free of charge if and when applicable.
He added that the social housing schemes require stronger policies to ensure its transparency and fairness.
Qasim emphasized that charging a total rent of MVR 2.5 million from occupants for 20-25 years for social housing units built on reclaimed land using taxpayers’ money was unjust.
“When plots are allotted to individuals from land that was reclaimed using public funds, where is the fairness and equity in charging ordinary citizens, who are in dire need of affordable housing, MVR 2.5 million over 20-25 years for these social housing initiatives? Others are denied their rightful access,” Qasim tweeted.
Previous administrations constructed more than 11,000 housing apartments on Hulhumalé 1 and 2, and the current administration has initiated the construction of an additional 4,000 housing units.
Despite Qasim’s pledge to waive the monthly rents for social housing flats, it has been reported recently that some occupants of these flats have not been consistently paying their rents. However, neither previous nor current administrations have taken any measures against these individuals.
