After cost and corruption concerns, Hiyaa tower lift project finally completed
HDC has completed installing two additional elevators in eight towers of the Hiyaa housing project in Hulhumalé Phase II, part of a USD 18 million initiative covering 16 towers. The project, awarded to China's Shenyang Yuanda Intellectual Group, has faced public criticism over alleged inflated costs and possible corruption linked to former HDC MD Fazul.
Housing towers in Hulhumalé Phase II | Dhauru
The installation of additional elevators in eight towers of the Hiyaa housing project in Hulhumalé Phase II has been completed and officially opened for public use.
Providing an update on the project to add two new lifts to each tower, the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) confirmed that work has been successfully concluded for Towers H1 through H8.
The project, awarded to China’s Shenyang Yuanda Intellectual Group, carries an estimated cost of USD 18 million, approximately MVR 278 million. Under the initiative, a total of 32 elevators are being installed across 16 towers, with the cost per lift estimated at around USD 550,000, or MVR 8.5 million.
Despite the completion of this phase, the project has been the subject of sustained public scrutiny, including allegations of inflated costs and possible corruption.
These concerns emerged during the tenure of former HDC Managing Director Fazul Rasheed, who has faced multiple allegations related to land disputes and the misuse of his official position for personal benefit during his time at the corporation.
It is also noted that physical work to install two additional elevators in each Hiyaa tower began on 18 April 2024.
While HDC initially stated that the installation would be completed within one year, the official commissioning has taken place nearly two years after the project was initiated.
