No safety measures in place for potential fire incidents in Malé area towers: Rasheed
Former Member of Parliament Ibrahim Rasheed has raised alarms over the lack of safety protocols for high-rise buildings in the Male' region, noting that essential fire safety equipment in complexes such as the Hiyaa Flats and Male' Grand has fallen into disrepair. He criticized authorities for prioritizing corruption over public safety in major housing projects and expressed deep concern regarding the absence of emergency response drills and training for residents.
Former Member of Parliament for the Central Maafannu constituency, Ibrahim Rasheed (Bonda), speaking during an appearance on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program. | Raajje MV
Ibrahim Rasheed (Bonda), the former Member of Parliament for the Central Maafannu constituency, has expressed grave concern regarding the lack of adequate fire safety measures in the residential towers developed across the Greater Male' Region. He emphasized that in the event of a fire, there are currently no effective mechanisms in place to ensure the safety and protection of the residents.
Speaking on RaajjeTV's "Fala Surukhee" program, Rasheed stated that safety cannot be guaranteed in any of the residential towers developed in Hulhumale. He noted that in developed countries, ensuring the safety and security of a building is the very first priority before any construction project begins.
However, Rasheed noted that in the event of a fire in such buildings in the Maldives, residents have not been adequately informed of the necessary evacuation procedures, nor have any such emergency response plans been established.
Look at the Hiyaa towers right now. If a fire breaks out in one of those buildings, most residents would not even know where the fire escape is located. We would likely witness people jumping from the upper floors. Similarly, a massive tower has been built at IGMH in Malé, yet no fire drills or emergency evacuation exercises have been conducted there. Who are the primary occupants of these buildings? The Hiyaa flats are home to many elderly individuals and people who use wheelchairs. How are they supposed to evacuate? Where would they go? They cannot use the stairs. They would simply be trapped and perish in the fire.Former Member of Parliament Ibrahim Rasheed
Highlighting the severe lack of safety measures at both the Hiyaa Flats and Male’ Grand, Rasheed noted that the fire hose systems in the 90-apartment Male’ Grand complex are damaged and leaking. Consequently, there are no functional means to extinguish a fire should an incident occur. He further pointed out that in the event of an emergency, residents would have to rely on elevators; however, none of the towers are equipped with a backup generator. Rasheed added that the backup generator at the premises has been out of service for over a decade.
Rasheed further asserted that development projects and housing units are not being built for the benefit of the people, but rather as a means to facilitate corruption and graft. He added that if the government truly intended to serve the public interest, these projects would be carried out with a focus on ensuring the safety and lives of the citizens.
