‘No danger’: FDC insists ‘Gedhoruveriya’ flats structurally sound, despite cracks

While concern has begun to mount over cracks on some of the 4,000 flats developed in Hulhumale’ Phase II under the ‘Gedhoruveriya’ social housing scheme, Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC), the project’s developer, insists that the towers remain structural sound and pose no danger.

The cracks in the exterior of the flats have been gaining attention as more and more people move into the towers.

When questioned about this, FDC’s Managing Director Hamdhan Shakeel told Sun on Monday morning that minor cracks and other issues are common for every new building, especially once utilities are connected and people move in.

He said that the cracks require minor rectifications, and there is no danger, structurally.

“Those are just minor rectifications which will be fully covered under the DLP [Defects Liability Period] of the contractors. Every new building will see minor cracks and other issues upon completion and especially once utilities are connected and people move in. Structurally there is ABSOLUTELY NO DANGER whatsoever,” he said.

Hassan Maanih Umar, FDC’s Chief Development Officer and head of engineering, said that the small cracks are a result of temperature variances and natural building settlement, and will be rectified as soon as possible.

“That’s an edge, plaster and finishing crack. It occurs due to temperature variances and natural building settlement. It will be rectified ASAP,” he said.

During an interview to SSTV’s ‘Baaru Hathareh’ show back in September last year, Hamdhan had said there’s no room to question the quality of the flats.

He said that the use of concrete, instead of cement blocks, makes the flats more durable, and will help avoid issues common with other housing projects such as cracks in the walls.

“To check the quality of the concrete structure, we tested multiple samples from over 50,000 concrete cubes. I don’t think such an extensive quality check has ever been run in the Maldives. There will be no room to question the quality,” he said.

Hamdhan said the FDC will continue to run quality checks over a one-year period after the handover of the units, and will attend to any issues.