Some residents living in the epicentre of the tragic fire that took place in Male’ City last Friday night have been granted permission to return to their homes following safety inspections.
Residents from houses in high-risk areas were evacuated during the fire and the area was closed off from the public for inspection from government authorities. The inter-agency taskforce formed by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih revealed homes were being inspected to ensure the places are safe for people to live, before residents are granted permission to return.
Speaking at the President’s Office on behalf of the taskforce, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen said the police have been conducting forensic analysis to identify the cause of the fire and collect evidence.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development Aishath Athifa said the assessments included evaluating buildings for safety and identifying unsafe buildings to demolish. She further said 244 have been given shelter at 67 different locations and the government will ensure they get their needs fulfilled.
Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), Maldives Polices Services and other relevant government authorities have been investigating and clearing the ground of the tragic fire that left one dead and over 400 homeless. Most of the area had been cordoned and closed off from the public.