Urbanco has stated that tenants at the Hiyaa flats will be required to forfeit their housing units if they violate the safety rules. The state-owned company made the statement in a press release published following a fire incident inside an apartment of a Hiyaa tower.
The Initial investigation found that a discarded cigarette was the source of the fire. It was the second such incident that occurred in the same month. Another fire incident took place in a different housing within a Hiyaa tower due to a discarded cigarette filter.
In the press release, Urbanco stated that the investigation has found that the incident occurred due to negligence and that the company has a zero-tolerance policy on such behaviour. It noted that tenants were given social housing units after they signed agreements which dictate rules to follow for the safety of other residents in the area.
Urbanco highlighted that the rules include a ban on smoking, lighting fires, and other such actions that might result in harm to residents or damage to the building. It also stated that tenants are not allowed to smoke or vape or discard cigarettes on balconies. It warned that action will be taken against those who violate the safety rules with fines ranging from USD65-6,500 or forfeiture of the housing unit.
Furthermore, Urbanco stated that it will prioritise the safety of all residents when it comes to such incidents. The Hiyaa flats area has the largest residential community in Hulhumale’, with 25,000 residents.