Study Underway to Establish Dedicated Zone for Male’ Home-Based Fish Cooking and Rihaakuru Businesses 

Male’ City Council has initiated a study to establish a dedicated zone where individuals who commercially cook fish, produce Rihaakuru and prepare ground chilli and powdered curry mixes can operate without disturbing residents.

The matter was referred for further study during the 12th official general meeting of the council’s fifth term, with councillors seeking a solution that would allow these traditional businesses to continue in a more suitable location.

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Galolhu South Constituency Council Member Ismail Haleem, who presented the issue, said some families in Galolhu have been cooking fish and producing Rihaakuru for generations, with the work now being carried out by the second generation.

Haleem said the rapid development of the area and the construction of high-rise buildings have increased the inconvenience caused to nearby residents. He said the use of firewood and the resulting heavy smoke in narrow residential alleys is no longer suitable for the densely populated area.

He also said people involved in the businesses have approached the council seeking an alternative location. Haleem argued that the businesses should not simply be shut down as they are longstanding family trades that contribute to the local economy.

Male’ City Mayor Adam Azim said industrial zones had previously been established in Male’, Vilimale’ and Hulhumale’. However, he said the government had reassumed control of the industrial zone in Male’, while the area in Vilimale’ is currently unavailable due to the Thilamale’ Bridge project.

Azim also identified Thilafushi as another potential location for such activities and said operations would be more effectively managed if the relevant land were handed over to the City Council.

The council decided to refer the matter to its Land Use Plan Committee for further study, with the aim of developing a comprehensive solution that allows the businesses to continue while minimising disruption to the public.