Eight Hiyaa Flat Towers Now Fitted With New Elevators

The government has reported progress on the project to install additional elevators at Hiyaa Flat towers in Hulhumalé Phase 2. Eight towers, H1 through H8, have now been fitted with new elevators, which are currently in use by the public.

Elevator installation is ongoing at towers H14, H15 and H16. Towers H9, H10, H11 and H12 are at the cladding and framework installation stage, with frame fabrication work also underway at H11 and H12. Platforming work is being carried out at H16. The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has confirmed that all necessary supplies and equipment for the project are available.

The new elevators are designed to accommodate 21 people and are large enough to carry stretchers. Practical work to install the two extra elevators at the Hiyaa Flat towers began on 18 April 2024. The project was awarded to China’s Shenyang Yuanda Intellectual Industry Group Co., Ltd. HDC previously stated that USD 18 million (MVR 278 million) would be spent on the installation of 32 new elevators across the development.

Of the 16 towers built to 25 floors during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen, some have three elevators while others have four. Residents have previously expressed difficulties with the number of elevators relative to the population of the towers. During the most recent presidential election campaign, one of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s major pledges to Hiyaa Flat residents was to install additional elevators to address these concerns.