Council: Part of building collapsed after asked to vacate premise over safety concerns

Male’ City Council, on Wednesday, stated that a part of a building in Male’ City collapsed last night after the council had instructed the owner to vacate the premise over safety concerns.

A part of M. Sunbulaage located in Fareedhee Magu collapsed into an alley located next to the building sometime last night. No one was injured in the incident.

Commenting on the incident, Male’ City Council’s Spokesperson Mariyam Shiuna told Sun that the council had received complaints expressing concern that the worn-out building might collapse. Shiuna, noting the council had inspected the building in light of the complaints, detailed its owner was instructed to vacate the premises after finding the building unsafe to live in.

She also noted that the owner had requested the council to demolish the building. However, she said the council had been unable to carry out the demolition as people still resided at the building. She also added that the council can only demolish the building after seeking approval from Housing Ministry.

Shiuna stressed that the demolition was stalled over the lack of cooperation from the owner of the house.

Underscoring the council had received complaints expressing concern over the safety of other buildings in similar condition in Male’ City, Shiuna said owners of these buildings have also been instructed to vacate the premises.