Work on 5000 flats to start in early 2009

Male: The state minister for housing of the new government Aslam Shakir has declared that he is very confident of commencing work towards construction of 5000 flats in two regions of the country, early next year.

Speaking at a news conference held at his ministry state minister for housing Aslam expressed that government was finalizing plans to construct flats in different regions of the country. He said discussions have been held with the finance ministry and that he has asked for a legal advice on how to move forward.

He revealed that work is underway to establish a social standard and building standard. He said in constructing flats priority will be given to 16 selected islands and that these islands were selected based on scarcity of available land.

He further said he is working on securing funds required to construct the 5000 homes and that once completed flats will released under a long term payment scheme.

State Minister Aslam further said Chinese government has also agreed to construct 25,000 flats and that necessary discussions with the Chinese government was currently underway.