City Council could not solve Sinamale’ flat issue, government will step in: President

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated last night that even though it is the responsibility of Male' City Council to solve the Sinamale' and Male' Hiyaa flat issues, the government will intervene and get it done as it still has not been solved.

During the Galolhu community meeting held at Imaduddin School's hall last night, Sinamale' and Male' Hiyaa flat residents expressed their concerns to the President regarding the state of the run-down buildings. An individual expressed worry that even though the flat fines have been forgiven, Male' City Council continues to send fine notices.

The President responded stating that all fines regarding the Sinamale' and Male' Hiyaa flats had been forgiven when he was Mayor of Male'.

The fines cover failure to pay rent across four Sinamale' flats and two Male' Hiyaa flats. The fines were forgiven in November 2022.

President Muizzu spoke on the issue last night at the community meeting, stating that the city council should not do such things while the fines have been forgiven. President Muizzu asked Deputy Mayor of Male' Mohamed Areesh, who had attended the meeting, to look into the matter.

The President said that the city council is unable to solve the issues surrounding the Sinamale' and Male' Hiyaa flats.

"The council is directly responsible for the state of the flats including elevator issues, water leaks from bathrooms and even maintenance, all things that have not been done. These are all serious issues, including the fine payments," said President Muizzu.

"The councilors cannot do what the council is supposed to do. And so, this can only be done with the government stepping in."

The President said that this issue has become much more serious to leave it in the hands of the city council. And so, the President said that the government will work to find a solution.

The decision to tear down Male' Hiyaa flats and build other flats for people to live was made  when President Muizzu was Mayor of Male'. An agreement was signed with Hong Kong's SF Project Consultancy on 17th August 2023 to design the building.

1,500 housing units were to be built as per the agreement by the city council. This covers a 23,476 square meter plot that will include Male' Hiyaa and Sinamale' flats. But, 3,310 square meters was taken off the total due to a handball court being within that area, with this reducing the total flats to 1,360.

As per the city council earlier this year, the old Sinamale' and Male' Hiyaa buildings will be torn down after its tenants are given temporary housing.