Council changes location for planned market in Vilimale’

Male’ City Council has made the decision to change the location for the temporary market planned to be developed in suburban Vilimale’, following concern from the island’s residents over the original location.

Male’ City Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Vilimale’ councilwoman Nahula Ali laid the foundation stone for the market in a plot close to the Vilimale’ harbor and the hospital on February 21.

Speaking to press after the ceremony, Muizzu said the council planned on opening the market in time for Ramadan.

However, residents of Vilimale’ have staged a protest demanding the council change the location of the market.

The city council met with residents of Vilimale’ in response to the protest on Wednesday night.

Councilwoman Nahula said that at the meeting, which was held at Muhyiddin School, the youth and people living in the neighborhood around the original plot expressed opposition to having the market there.

The meeting was attended by some 200 residents.

Nahula told Sun that the council had therefore decided to change the location of the market to the plot near the ferry terminal, where the Dinemore restaurant was previously run.

“We have changed the location of the temporary market in accordance with the sentiments of the people. We will always work in accordance with the people’s wishes,” she said.

Nahula said that the council would not be able to complete construction in time for Ramadan, and that they had therefore decided to run the market for a two-month period by putting up tents.

 “As the council representative of this constituency, I want the residents of Vilimale’ to have access to the market and to have convenience. Though we tried to complete work on the new location for the temporary market before Ramadan, we will, God willing, provide services from the Vilimale’ local market during Ramadan using tents, same as in Male’,” she said.

Nahula said that the tents will be set up on the main road of Vilimale’.