Safety concerns over street-facing AC units raised with President Muizzu
The issue was raised by Moosa Naseer during the second session of Rayyithunge Adu (Voice of the People), a programme under which the President meets residents.
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Concerns over air-conditioning units installed on the exterior of buildings facing streets in Malé have been raised with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, with a resident calling for inspections to reduce risks to pedestrians.
The issue was raised by Moosa Naseer during the second session of Rayyithunge Adu (Voice of the People), a programme under which the President meets members of the public to hear their concerns.
Speaking to the President, Moosa, who works in the field, said outdoor AC units are installed on iron brackets but there is no system to inspect the condition of the brackets after installation.
He said the brackets can rust and weaken over time, creating a risk that AC units could fall onto pedestrians.
“When we were younger, we used to hear about a dedicated Safety Department. I’m not sure if that exists anymore, but I want to see this monitored and a proper solution brought to the issue,” Moosa said.
Moosa also raised concerns over electrical safety in homes, particularly the condition of Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCBs).
He said there are no follow-up inspections after State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) connects electricity to homes to determine whether ELCBs and other safety systems continue to function.
According to Moosa, faults in household electrical systems are among the factors contributing to fires in Malé.
“STELCO technicians just come, take the meter reading, and leave. When an issue arises, residents try to handle the electrical wiring themselves. In most homes, the ELCBs do not even work,” he said.
He called on the government to introduce a system of inspections, including checks at homes across Malé, to ensure ELCBs are functioning.
President Muizzu met 12 people during the second session of the Rayyithunge Adu programme. Housing-related concerns were among the issues raised by participants.
According to the President’s Office, the programme is intended to cover all 93 parliamentary constituencies. Members of the public can apply through a designated portal during announced application periods to meet the President and raise issues directly.
