Elevator Accessibility Project Progresses in Maldives

A government initiative to enhance accessibility at Hiyaa Flat towers in Hulhumale, Maldives, is progressing with the Housing Development Corp. (HDC) reporting that elevators have been added to eight of the 16 25-story towers as part of an estimated US$18-million plan to install 32 new elevators in all, The Edition reports. China’s Shenyang Yuanda Intellectual Industry Group Co., Ltd., is handling the work. The housing towers were built during former Maldives President Abdulla Yameen’s administration with three or four elevators each, but residents have said that is too few for the number of people who use them. President since 2023 Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has promised Hiyaa Flat residents HDC will install additional elevators. HDC said the new elevators are large, with a capacity of approximately 21 passengers each, as well as stretchers.