Council to ask HDC to install railings at Hulhumale Phase 2 towers

The Malé City Council on Wednesday approved a proposal to ask Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to install railings on the windows and balconies of residential towers in Hulhumale’ Phase 2.

The issue was raised as an emergency motion during the council’s general meeting, following the death of a two-year-old boy who fell from the second floor of a residential tower in Hulhumale’ on Tuesday.

Council member Fathimath Zahiyya said the number of children falling from residential towers in Hulhumale’ Phase 2 has increased in recent months.

“This is not a coincidence. A permanent solution should be found to prevent falls from tall buildings,” Zahiyya said.

She said measures used in other countries to prevent such incidents include installing railings around open spaces such as windows and balconies in residential towers.

“Such measures should also be followed in the Maldives. If this is not done, more lives could be lost in the future,” she said.

Zahiyya said the HDC  is responsible for ensuring the safety of residential towers.

She also proposed that HDC work with the Maldives Police Service to strengthen traffic management in Hulhumale’, citing the number of road accidents reported in the city.

The council unanimously approved the decision to notify HDC and request the installation of railings on windows and balconies in the Phase 2 towers.