Additional lifts installed at the Hiyaa towers in Hulhumalé Phase II will be opened for public use tonight following the completion of installation works.

The project was carried out by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). The corporation said the new lifts will be officially opened during a special ceremony scheduled for tonight.

The additional lifts have been installed across the 16 residential towers of the 25-storey Hiyaa housing development. The towers previously had three or four lifts each, with residents frequently raising concerns over long waiting times and congestion due to the large number of people living in the buildings.

Installing two additional lifts in each Hiyaa tower was a presidential pledge of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

HDC said each of the newly installed lifts has a capacity of 21 passengers and is large enough to accommodate stretchers. The lifts have also been fitted with accessibility features to make them easier to use for persons requiring additional assistance.

HDC said opening the additional lifts is expected to significantly improve daily access for residents and ease the difficulties they have faced while using the towers' lift services.