The installation of additional elevators in four Hiyaa towers in Hulhumale' Phase two has been completed and is now undergoing testing, according to Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
The upgrades are part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to improve living conditions in Hiyaa social housing flats.
HDC's Chief Operating Officer Ahmed Ibrahim (Pokandi) said that eight new elevators across the four towers have been installed and opened for testing.
In a post on social media platform X, he stated that the new, larger elevators would significantly ease the long-standing issue of residents queuing for extended periods to use the elevators.
“These new larger elevators soon to be in service will be a transformative upgrade for the thousands of families living in these social housing towers,” Ibrahim said.
HDC aims to complete the installation of all additional elevators in the 16 Hiyaa towers by October this year.
The project involves the installation of two new elevators per tower, one of which is large enough to accommodate stretchers, while the other has a capacity of 14 people.
The installation work, which began on April 18 last year, was awarded to China’s Shenyang Yuanda Intellectual Industry Group Co. According to former HDC Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed, the 32 elevators will cost around USD 18 million (approximately MVR 278 million).
Built during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen, the 25-storey Hiyaa towers were initially equipped with only three or four elevators per tower, leading to frequent complaints from residents about delays and overcrowding.
Addressing this issue was one of President Muizzu’s major campaign promises.