STO Gives Male’ South Harbour Food Courts 90 Days to Vacate Following Commercial Port Expansion Plans

State Trading Organisation (STO) has given operators of food courts in the south-west harbour area of Malé 90 days to vacate their premises as part of plans to expand the capacity of Malé Commercial Port.

Notices issued to the operators state that the premises must be vacated and handed over to STO within 90 days of receiving the notice, after which their agreements will be terminated.

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One notice sent to Cafe Fika, which operates Unit 09 at Malé Food Court, requires the premises to be handed over to STO by November 3, 2026.

The notice cites Clause 14(a) of the agreement between STO and the operator as the basis for terminating the agreement.

STO said details of any outstanding rent, service charges and other applicable fees, along with payment arrangements, would be provided before the 90-day notice period expires.

Cafe Fika owner Yoosuf Ziyad told MV+ that the business had renewed its agreement for another two years on March 3, but has since faced reduced revenue due to the ongoing Ameenee Magu road repair works. 

“We are running at a loss,” Ziyad said, adding that the latest notice would place further pressure on the business.

Ziyad said finding an alternative location would be difficult and that the impact would extend beyond the business itself to its employees, who are mostly expat workers.

“We are not asking for financial assistance but an alternative, which our contractor is failing to provide,” he said.

He said the business had to comply with the notice despite its concerns because it had no alternative.

STO media coordinator Shifla Ibrahim told MV+ that all tenants had been consulted regarding the development of Malé Commercial Port.

“In connection with the development of Malé Ports, all tenants have been consulted and instructed to hand the premises back to STO within a specified period,” she said.

The Malé Food Court opened in July 2018 following a development project costing approximately MVR 30–32 million. The facility comprises 26 commercial and dining units of different sizes, and acts as a spot frequented by many local residents. 

The food courts are located in the south-west harbour area targeted for the expansion of Malé Commercial Port.