Residents of the Hiyaa housing towers in Hulhumalé are expected to benefit from improved accessibility after the installation of two additional lifts in each residential block was completed and the new elevators were opened for public use.
The project, undertaken by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), was carried out by Shenyang Yuanda Intellectual Industry Group Co., Ltd. of China as part of efforts to address long-standing complaints over elevator shortages in the high-rise housing complex.
HDC announced the completion of the project during a ceremony held on Thursday evening, marking the commissioning of the new lifts across all 16 Hiyaa towers.
The installation of additional elevators was one of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s housing-related pledges, following concerns raised by residents over congestion and long waiting times caused by the limited number of lifts available in the buildings.
According to HDC, the newly installed elevators have a capacity of 21 passengers and are designed to accommodate stretchers, making them better suited for transporting elderly residents, people with disabilities and patients requiring emergency medical assistance.
The corporation said the larger lifts are also expected to reduce congestion during peak hours, when residents have frequently experienced lengthy delays while travelling between floors.
Hiyaa, one of the Maldives’ largest social housing developments, comprises 16 residential towers in Hulhumalé Phase II. Each tower houses more than 2,000 residents, making efficient vertical transportation a key concern since the flats were first occupied.
Residents have repeatedly voiced concerns over elevator capacity and reliability, particularly during busy periods and emergency situations. The additional lifts are intended to ease pressure on the existing system and improve daily living conditions for thousands of families residing in the complex.
The completion of the project marks one of several infrastructure improvements being undertaken at the Hiyaa housing development as authorities seek to address operational challenges identified by residents since the apartments were handed over.
