FDC to strengthen safety measures at Hulhumalé social housing flats

Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) will introduce additional safety measures across its social housing flats in Hulhumalé, with priority given to homes occupied by children, elderly people and persons with disabilities, Managing Director Hamdhan Shakeel has said.

Hamdhan announced the measures in a social media post on Wednesday following the death of a two-year-old child who fell from the 12th floor of a residential tower in Hulhumalé Phase 2.

He said discussions were under way to assess safety measures at FDC’s Amaan Udhares and Amaan Dhodhi housing towers and identify apartments requiring priority attention.

FDC plans to introduce safety measures across all housing units within the developments, Hamdhan said.

The corporation is working to implement the measures as soon as possible, with apartments occupied by children, elderly residents and people with disabilities to be addressed first.

Hamdhan said the work was being undertaken under the direction of President Mohamed Muizzu.

The social housing flats developed by FDC have large windows in bedrooms and living areas, some of which can be opened.

The announcement follows concerns over safety at high-rise residential buildings in Hulhumalé after incidents involving people falling from buildings.

Malé City Council on Wednesday also decided to request the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to introduce measures to address risks associated with balconies and windows in residential towers.

The council called for safety railings and window grilles to be installed where required to reduce the risk of falls.

The measures were proposed following incidents involving both children and adults falling from residential buildings in Hulhumalé Phase 2.