President Muizzu Accuses Male’ City Council of Obstructing Market Project

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has publicly accused the Male’ City Council of a lack of cooperation, stating that it is hindering the government’s flagship project to construct a new integrated local market complex in Malé.

The allegation was made during a press conference, where the President outlined a series of obstructions linked to the project, beginning with a previously completed road development initiative. He stated that the council’s failure to vacate part of the land prevented the construction of a sidewalk, resulting in tarmac being laid directly up to the edge of the existing market building.

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He indicated that repeated requests had been made to facilitate arrangements, but these had not been addressed, leading to complications in the implementation of the project.

The government’s plan involves reclaiming the land currently occupied by scattered market stalls to develop a modern six-storey complex that will bring together the fish market, local market and tourist market into a single facility. The project is financed by the Bank of Maldives, with the USD 8.2 million contract awarded to Trusten Maldives Pvt Ltd on 21 March.

With a deadline set for 18 April for the land to be vacated, the President stated that the government invoked relevant legal provisions allowing the responsible ministry to take over the land, which prompted action from the council.

The new complex is to be developed on a 15,525 square foot plot, with a total floor area exceeding 95,000 square feet. The facility is designed to accommodate 455 stalls and is scheduled for completion within one year and eight months, representing a significant upgrade to the commercial and urban landscape of Malé.