The State Bank of India (SBI) on Sunday resumed extending services from its branch in the reclaimed suburb of Hulhumale'.
SBI operations in the capital city of Male' were disrupted on Friday by a major fire in Henveiru Ward's Tiolo cafe', which spread to the adjacent 10-storey Gadhage Mohamed Fulhu Building, where five floors are allocated for SBI's operations.
According to the bank, all cash transactions for customers of the Male' branch will be processed in the Hulhumale' branch until further notice, while services including cheque deposits, RTGS requests and remittance requests can be accessed in the capital from a temporary location adjacent to the old China Garden restaurant.
Furthermore, SBI noted that it would arrange transport services between the Male' and Hulhumale' branches between 0800 and 1800 hrs.
Customers can email [email protected] or call +960 3350875 and +960 9959658 to acquire SBI services.
Expressing regret for any inconveniences faced, SBI noted the possibility of delays in processing requests lodged by customers in light of present circumstances.
SBI previously revealed that the bank is currently assessing the fire damages in collaboration with relevant authorities.
Friday night's blaze completely destroyed the two-storey building where Tiolo cafe' was located and burned strongly for two hours before Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL)'s firefighters brought the blaze under control.
No fatalities or injuries were reported, as the residences in the area were immediately evacuated and all the floors in Gadhage Mohamed Fulhu Building were vacant at the time. As per local media reports, the building is insured as well.
Almost a year after the largest fire incident on record in Male', which tore through a narrow street resulting in one death and displacing hundreds, Friday night's blaze raised several concerns amongst the public, with citizens stressing the need for decentralisation to reduce fire hazards in the congested capital.
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