FDC: Last of 4,000 units will be handed over before July’s end

The last of the first 4,000 units being developed in Hulhumale’ under the ‘Gedhoruveriya’ housing scheme will be handed over before the end of July, according to Hamdhan Shakeel, the managing director of Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC).

Last month, the FDC said that the handover of the flats is on hold at instructions from the Housing Ministry.

In an appearance on SSTV’s ‘Baaru Hathareh’ program on Monday evening, Hamdhan said that the construction of the 4,000 units is going ahead nonstop.

The 4,000 units are being built in 32 towers.

According to Hamdhan, structural works are complete in 24 of the towers, and “speedy work” is being carried out to finish structural works on the remaining eight towers.

“The work on all towers will be done before the end of this year. Most of the finishing works will also be done in the majority of the towers. We plan on handing over the units as soon as the work is done. We plan on handing over the last tower on July 25,” he said.

The government has come under mounting pressure over the delay in the handover of flats under the ‘Gedhoruveriya’ scheme – a housing scheme launched by the last administration.

It has sparked serial protests in Male’.

Hamdhan told SSTV that the former administration had omitted essential facilities needed by the occupants of the units from the project scope.

He said that the FDC will work beyond the scope of the project to ensure the quality of living.

“We have added garbage chutes to each floor so people don’t have to take the elevator downstairs every time with garbage bags. But this was not included in the original project scope. It is important for these facilities in place in order to ensure the quality of the life of the people who will reside there,” he said.

Back in April, Hamdhan said the FDC needs an additional injection of MVR 454.5 million to complete the flats.

On Tuesday, Hamdhan said the FDC is working hard to secure the additional funds.

He said that the FDC is engaged in discussions with “two or three foreign parties” and expect to make progress within this week.

Hamdhan said he expects to secure funding and begin establishing the facilities within the next “one-and-a-half month.”

He also promised to produce a better-quality product than previous social housing projects.