Some flat agreements on hold amidst list issues

The Housing Ministry has temporarily suspended the signing of some flat agreements due to discrepancies in a list provided to the Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC). 

Media reports suggested the FDC had suspended signing agreements for certain flat recipients following a Ministry notice.

FDC Managing Director Hamdhaan Shakeel stated that the ministry is typically responsible for verifying applicant documents before sending the list to the FDC. He acknowledged that a problematic list had been received by the corporation, leading to the suspension of only those specific agreements. Shakeel estimated that fewer than 100 names are on the suspended list, with other agreements proceeding as planned.

Last week, 232 flat agreements were signed, and the FDC aims to double the daily signature rate this week. The corporation had previously announced that agreement signings would prioritize towers nearing handover completion. The flats will be delivered once finishing works, including the installation of fans, windows, doors, tiling, painting, toilet bowls, and washbasins, are finalized.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had previously halted the allocation of flats to 4,000 eligible individuals during the previous administration. The current government reviewed this list, releasing a new one in February, over a year later.

Housing Minister Dr. Abdulla Muthalib later confirmed that apartments would be allocated based on the permanent list established by the previous government, despite numerous complaints. Minister Muthalib stated at a press conference on the 29th of last month that 1,000 of the 4,000 flats have been completed, with the goal of completing all by September.

As the flats are now being handed over, the Fahi Union NGO has urged the government to reduce the rent of FDC flats, mirroring the reductions seen in the first phase of Hiyaa and Vinares flats in Hulhumale.