HDC to produce new regulation on use of public space in Hulhumale’

The Hulhumale' public beach to the East: Multiple cafes and restaurants have utilized the public space for business without permission from HDC. (Sun Photo/Ahmed Awshan Ilyas)

Amid an outpouring of public complaint over the permit-less use of public beaches and street pavements in Hulhumale’ by businesses, the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has announced it is in the middle of drafting a regulation for use of public space in Hulhumale’.

An official from HDC who spoke to ‘Sun’ said the new regulation will be published this Monday.

“We have been working on this for the past two weeks. And we are holding discussions with relevant State agencies as this is in the interest of both the public and the local business community,” said the official.

Meanwhile, Minister of Economic Development, Fayyaz Ismail tweeted this Monday morning that the Ministry of Economic Development has completed its investigation into the issue, and has found the businesses were using the Hulhumale’ beach front without permission from HDC.

He said the ministry has instructed HDC to make the necessary arrangements to ensure the beach front areas are available for use of the general public by January 31, 2019.