The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has mandated the shutdown of an unapproved laundromat functioning from a residential unit in Vinares Tower, Hulhumalé Phase 2.

The move comes after a video went viral on social media depicting a large-scale laundry operation set up in a unit designated for social housing.

The video showed several washing machines, dryers, and ironing devices placed inside the unit.

HDC announced that it has initiated an inquiry into the issue and released a notice directing all parties to halt activities immediately.

The company declared that these actions breach rules that forbid business or industrial utilization of residential properties.

Officials indicated that enterprises of this kind are solely allowed in specified commercial areas, particularly in the eastern and southern sections of Hulhumalé.

The video additionally highlighted safety issues, displaying various gas cylinders allegedly utilized to fuel the equipment, along with assertions that public elevators in the structure were being employed to carry laundry loads.

HDC indicated that additional measures will be implemented depending on the results of the current investigation.