Minister of Social and Family Development Dr Aishath Shiham has said that the most common complaints received through the Haalu Kihineh? programme relate to the lack of adequate housing and limited employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

The minister made the remarks while speaking on Tharujamaanaa Eku with Chief Spokesperson at the President’s Office Heena Waleed. She provided updates on the Haalu Kihineh? programme and outlined the Government’s ongoing efforts to improve access to employment for persons with disabilities.

In this regard, more than 17,000 households across 17 atolls have been visited under the Haalu Kihineh? programme. She noted that concerns raised by households vary by location, with housing emerging as the primary issue in urban areas, followed by unemployment among persons with disabilities.

“People’s needs differ from place to place. In city areas, the main concern is housing, while employment opportunities for persons with disabilities remain a significant issue,” she said.

Dr Shiham expressed confidence that the Government’s strengthened approach to addressing housing challenges would lead to long-term solutions. She also said that, as part of employment-focused initiatives, 356 persons with disabilities have been provided with job opportunities to date.