Public complains: pipes sticking out, water dripping down

The topic under discussion at the Jazeera Holhuashi last Monday night was the state of the streets of Male’ City. Members of the public raised their concerns regarding the streets and suggested possible solutions to the issues.

President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) began the open debate with the following comment:

There’s no room to drive. No room to park. No room to walk.

The comment summed up the state of the streets of Male’ City. And opened the public debate.

Members of the general public who attended the open debate complained about the pipes sticking out over the sidewalks. The water dripping from outdoor units of air conditioning systems. The parked vehicles blocking entrances to houses.

Mariyam Saeeda, who walks the streets of Male’ City every day, spoke of getting drenched in water from drains on roofs and outdoor units of air conditioning systems on a daily basis.

“Though it may not be raining, we still get drenched from the water dripping from roofs. I recommend serving notices to the houses, and following up to make sure they correct it,” said Mariyam Saeeda.

Her next concern is the illegally parked motorcycles which block doorways and pavements. She recommended dispatching more traffic police to monitor the streets and prevent illegal parking.

Another concerned member of the public recommended amending the building code.

“The enforcement of a proper building code will solve such issues.”

Many members of the general public complained of lack of parking space, traffic congestion, and difficulties in travelling from one place to another within the city – either on foot or by vehicle. Many also complained of small two-way streets which cause blockage and make people late for school and work.

The public had a lot of complaints regarding the streets of Male’ City. The complaints were discussed and some constructive solutions recommended during the debate.

The public does not want a temporary solution but a long-term plan for a sustainable solution. “We don’t want a temporary fix, we want a permanent solution,” said one concerned citizen.