Ministry in talks with Tata to speed-up housing flats

Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure is in discussion with Indian multinational conglomerate Tata Group to resume and expedite the construction of housing flats in Male’, Housing Minister Mohamed Muizzu has said.

Speaking to Sun Online, Dr Muizzu said the government wants to see the completion of housing flats at Gaakoshi and at the previous location of Arabiyya School as soon as possible, but said he cannot reveal details before discussions are complete.

*Construction of housing flats at Gaakoshi suspended since early 2011 – Sun photo: Yousuf Sofwan

Government signed agreements with Tata to construct a complex of 198 apartments in Gaakoshi and 45 apartments at the previous location of Arabiyya School on 26 May 2010.

*Tata housing flats at the previous location of Arabiyya School in Majeedhee Magu, completed halfway – Sun photo: Yousuf Sofwan

According to the Housing Ministry, construction at Gaakoshi has been completed by 33 percent and flats at the Arabiyya School’s former location have been completed some 35 percent.

Refuting media reports that the government will not enter discussions with Tata before the completion of the flats, Dr Muizzu said; “The government has never said that it will not talk to Tata before the flats are complete. It is not true.”

*Partially completed housing flats at Arabiyya School’s former grounds – Sun photo: Yousuf Sofwan

Deadlines for the projects have long passed, but the government is willing to negotiate with Tata to complete the flats as soon as possible, Housing Minister said.