Outdoor air conditioning units placed at the base of Hiyaa Flat Tower 5 removed following a report by RaajjeTV
Residents informed RaajjeMV that burnt debris, including air conditioning outdoor units, emitted a pungent and overpowering odor that caused breathing difficulties, headaches, and coughing. Following these complaints, the issue was brought to the attention of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) via their "Fashaairu" program on October 10, leading to a complete cleanup of the area by HDC officials later that night.
The outdoor air conditioning units damaged in the fire at Hiyaa Tower 5 were located near the building's main entrance; the area has since been cleared and reopened to the public. | RaajjeMV | RaajjeMV
The air conditioning outdoor units stationed at the base of Hiyaa Tower 5, which were brought to public attention following a recent fire, were finally removed on the same night the issue was highlighted.
The fire broke out at approximately 6:45 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026. The incident caused damage to the drainage systems of 38 apartments within Tower 5. Preliminary reports indicate that the fire originated from an outdoor air conditioning unit located in the building's ventilation shaft.
A large number of air conditioning outdoor units were destroyed in the incident.
Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has completed repair work and placed the damaged air conditioning outdoor units outside Tower 5 of the Hiyaa Flats. A significant amount of fire-damaged equipment remained stationed in the area outside the building from January 31, 2026, to February 10, 2026.
Local residents have expressed concern over the presence of these items being kept in the area.
Sources who spoke to RaajjeMV reported that the presence of burnt air conditioning outdoor units and other charred debris has resulted in a strong, foul odor. They noted that this smell is causing respiratory difficulties, headaches, and persistent coughing. Furthermore, the sources stated that some individuals have experienced vomiting, with the elderly and young children being the most severely affected by the situation.
The issue was brought to the attention of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) on the 10th of this month. When questioned regarding the timeline for the removal of the debris, an HDC official stated that the burnt materials remain on-site as work is currently ongoing.
However, on the night of the 10th of this month, the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) cleared the entire area. Additionally, all outdoor air conditioning units installed at the site were removed.
Temporary housing has been provided to 148 individuals from 31 apartments following the fire incident at the Hiyaa towers.
