The Cabinet on Sunday decided to bring Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) under the purview of Housing Development Corporation (HDC).

Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed said that with the decision to make changes to companies doing the same work, there will be a significant reduction in costs.

Giving details of the merger of HDC and FDC, Housing Minister Ali Haidar Ahmed said that FDC is currently undertaking a major project of basic housing and the government has now decided that FDC will undertake various projects across the country in the construction of basic housing.

"But it will be done as a subsidiary of HDC. HDC is currently working as a master developer in Hulhumale', Hulhumale' and Gulhifalhu and Giravarufalhu and Fushidhiggaru. Once FDC becomes a subsidiary of HDC, FDC will carry forward the housing projects," the Minister said.

Haidar said HDC will also be a master developer of the urban centres run by the government and FDC will be the leading company for carrying out projects to provide basic housing across the country.

The Cabinet on Sunday decided to merge Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) with Regional Airports Company Limited (RCL). According to the government, the work is likely to be completed by January.