Dr Muizzu: Delay in land-use-plan halted developmental projects in Male’

The Mayor of Male’ City Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday said that the delays in passing the land use plan have put a hold on many developmental plans for Male’.

Speaking at a press conference held by the Male’ City Council, the mayor said that they have submitted the plans to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development on three different occasions with amendments.

However, he reiterated that the plans have yet to be passed, halting the development of the city.

“In projects such as housing, [we] need to depend on the land use plan. Since that is not done, the work is not progressing.”

Dr Muizzu further detailed that the council’s project of 2,500 housing flats and parking buildings is not going ahead because the government has not passed the plans.

Moreover, he stated that all the preparations leading up to developing 500 housing units in Vilimale’ have been completed. But if the land use plan is not passed, despite bidding and all other tasks being done, it cannot be enforced.

He did not that there weren't many obstacles from the government’s side on this, and expressed hope that the plans would soon be passed, and work would go ahead.

Speaking about other developmental plans for Male’ City, the mayor said that 2,000 housing units are planned to be built in the Sinmale' area and Hiyaa flat area. He added that physical work is expected to commence later this year, and the majority will be completed by next year.

He highlighted that the project has not yet been kicked off due to the land use plan not being passed.

Dr Muizzu highlighted that this is the fourth time the land use plan is submitted. He described the delays in passing despite all the errors being amended as purposeful delaying of the development of Male’.