Rusting lift components for Hiyaa flats, promised to be completed within a year, left on streets

Despite promises to complete the installation of new elevators at the Hiyaa towers in Hulhumalé Phase II within a year, the project has been delayed, and the steel components intended for the work have rusted after being left on the streets.

While the practical work of the project began in April 2024, residents of the area that spoke to RaajjeMV revealed that due to the delays in the work and the lack of proper care for the elevator components, issues of rusting have been surfacing.

In connection with this, a team from RaajjeMV visited the area and inspected the sites where the lift components for the Hiyaa flats have been stored. RaajjeMV’s team observed that materials brought for lift construction were left exposed in front of each tower. Several of these steel components show signs of rust.

Some individuals who met with the news team in the area expressed their concerns, stating that the work is progressing slowly and not at the speed the government had promised. In addition to this, they noted that the materials have rusted after being left out in the rain for several days.

Under the project to install elevators at the Hiyaa towers, a total of 32 elevators are planned to be installed. The then-Managing Director of Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Fazul Rasheed had revealed that the project would cost USD 18 million which is approximately MVR 278 million.

The project is a presidential pledge made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to address the difficulties surfacing due to the lack of elevators at the Hiyaa towers.

The elevator installation project was awarded to China's Shenyang Yuanda Intellectual Industry Group Co. Ltd in February 2024. The elevators to be installed under the project include large elevators capable of accommodating stretchers and elevators with a capacity for 14 people.