Ensis ordered to pay nearly USD 100,000 to ex-minister

The Civil Court has ordered Ensis to pay nearly USD 100,000 to former Health Minister Dr Aminath Jameel, in addition to a monthly payment of USD 2,500 until the handover of her apartment, after the company failed to complete the ‘Aira’ residential project in Hulhumalé’s waterfront area within the stipulated timeframe.

The residential development, comprising 94 uniquely designed apartments, was launched by Ensis in 2016 during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. At the time of its inauguration, Ensis stated that the development would consist of 45 three-bedroom apartments, 26 two-bedroom apartments, 13 one-bedroom apartments and 10 penthouses. Dr Aminath Jameel is understood to have purchased one of the penthouses.

Under the agreement entered into with Ensis, the apartment was scheduled to be handed over by August 2022. However, after the developer failed to fulfil this obligation, Dr Aminath Jameel initiated legal proceedings seeking compensation for the damages she incurred as a result of the delay.

In her claim, Dr Aminath Jameel sought MVR 7,740,000, calculated at a rate of MVR 7,500 per day until the apartment is handed over, as well as MVR 70,000 per month, USD 2,500 per month to cover the rental costs of her current residence, and approximately MVR 500,000 in losses arising from loan-related profit payments.

As Ensis failed to respond to the proceedings before the court, the case was adjudicated in the company’s absence. In its default judgment, the court ordered Ensis to pay USD 92,500, representing the rental expenses incurred by Dr Aminath Jameel to date, within one month. The company was further ordered to pay USD 2,500 per month until the apartment is formally handed over.

The judgment was delivered last Wednesday by Civil Court Judge Adam Zalif.