Water, electricity and sewage services have been restored to the 38 apartments affected in a fire that broke out at the Hiyaa Tower 5 on Friday, damaging utility lines.
The fire was reported to the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue Service at 06:33 pm Friday.
According to the MNDF, the fire originated from an air conditioning system’s outdoor unit in the air shaft between ninth and 14th floor of the building.
It resulted in damages to the utility lines in 38 apartments.
The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) estimated it would take a week to repair the damage.
In a post on X on Wednesday morning, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said that the HDC has finished repairs and restored utilities to the apartments.
The NDMA provided food and temporary accommodation to 148 people living in 31 of the affected apartments.
According to the NDMA, the duration for the assistance expires Wednesday, and the families have begun returning to their apartments.
Located in Hulhumale’ Phase II, the Hiyaa towers is a sprawling public housing project that houses thousands of people. Several fire incidents have taken place at the towers over the years.