Previously Leased Parking Spaces in Malé to Open for Public Use Next Week

Malé City’s previously leased parking spaces, which were allocated during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s tenure as mayor, will be opened to the public next week, Mayor Adam Azim has announced.

The leasing of parking spaces from city roads was introduced under Muizzu’s mayorship, with fees set at MVR 1,500 for private vehicles and MVR 700 for taxis. The initiative drew criticism, with allegations that slots were allocated in exchange for bribes, and contributed to worsening the city’s already severe parking shortage.

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In early September, the Ministry of Transport instructed the Malé City Council to halt the leasing of parking zones and revoke existing leases, stating that parking areas cannot be privately leased.

Speaking to local media, Mayor Azim, who is currently overseas on an official trip, confirmed that all previously leased zones will be open for public access by the end of September.

The city council has estimated that the move will free up around 1,000 parking slots, a significant addition in a city where vehicle numbers far exceed available infrastructure, contributing to congestion and other urban challenges.

To address parking shortages, the council is also creating new spaces in areas previously used as cemeteries. The Maafannu ward cemetery has been cleared to construct a parking lot and public square, while a section of the Galolhu ward cemetery, near the mortuary, has also been repurposed for parking.

These measures have raised public concern over the desecration of cemeteries, and the Fatwa Council has issued a statement stating that cemeteries cannot be vacated for such purposes.