HDC issues notice to shutdown laundromat run out of Vinares apartment

Screengrab from a video of a laundromat run out of an apartment at Vinares. (Video/X/@HousingMaldives)

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has formally initiated enforcement actions against a laundry operation being conducted from a residential apartment unit within the Vinares complex in Hulhumale' Phase II. This intervention was prompted by viral social media content that exposed the use of industrial-grade, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) powered machinery inside a private home. The presence of such equipment in a high-density residential building has raised significant alarms regarding fire safety and the structural integrity of the facility. The HDC has confirmed that an official shutdown notice has been served to the operators, addressing the immediate risk to the building's residents and ensuring the complex returns to its designated use as a residential space.

HDC issued a formal shutdown notice to a laundry business in a Vinares apartment unit.
The enforcement action followed a viral social media report featuring industrial, LPG-powered machines.
The primary concern is the extreme fire risk posed by industrial equipment in a residential setting.
Municipal authorities have confirmed the notice, prioritizing the safety of the tower's residents.

Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has issued notice to shut down a laundromat that was being run out of an apartment in Vinares, a residential complex located in Hulhumale’ Phase II.

The decision comes after a video was shared via an X account on Friday, showing a laundery service being run out of a Vinares apartment. The video shows LPG-powered industrial washing machines and dryers in use at the apartment.

Vinares tower 8A-0206 is being used as a laundry service center. Whats most concerning is they are using LPG gas powered industrial machines which is an extreme fire hazard. This shouldn’t be allowed in a residential building. @hdcmaldives @MMuizzu @malshasharyf @PokmanMV pic.twitter.com/iFNqfsB5b5
— Housing Greater Malé (@HousingMaldives) March 26, 2026

A spokesperson from HDC told Sun that the corporation has been alerted to the situation, and has issued a notice to shut down the business.

However, the spokesperson did not say how long the business was given to shut down.

The X account that shared the video expressed concern that the use the LPG-powered machines pose a serious fire hazard, and should not be allowed in a residential building.