Additional Elevators Installed in Four Hiyaa Towers, Now Undergoing Testing

The installation of additional elevators in four Hiyaa towers located in Hulhumalé Phase Two has been completed and is currently undergoing testing, according to the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).

The initiative forms part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment to enhance living conditions in the Hiyaa social housing flats. HDC’s Chief Operating Officer, Ahmed Ibrahim (Pokandi), confirmed that eight new elevators have been installed across the four towers and are now in the testing phase.

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According to HDC, the newly installed elevators are larger in size and are expected to alleviate long-standing issues related to overcrowding and prolonged waiting times. The corporation stated that these improvements are intended to significantly improve daily life for the thousands of residents living in the Hiyaa towers.

The broader project aims to install additional elevators in all 16 Hiyaa towers by October this year. Each tower is set to receive two new elevators — one designed to accommodate stretchers and another with a capacity of 14 people — in addition to the existing ones.

The installation work began on 18 April last year and was contracted to China’s Shenyang Yuanda Intellectual Industry Group Co. Ltd. The cost of the project, which includes 32 new elevators, has been estimated at around USD 18 million, or approximately MVR 278 million, according to former HDC Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed.

The 25-storey Hiyaa towers were constructed during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen. Initially fitted with only three or four elevators per building, the towers have faced persistent complaints from residents regarding delays and overcrowding in elevator usage.

The enhancement of elevator facilities was a key pledge in President Muizzu’s electoral campaign and is regarded as a major step towards improving infrastructure in public housing.