Delays in Ameenee Magu project: Businesses based in the area at loss

Ameenee Magu is one the biggest roads in Male’ City, therewith, is one which is most frequently used. Nevertheless, the condition of the road posing major difficulties to pedestrians and motorists who use it, is a long-standing concern of Male’ residents. Although redevelopment of the road up to modern standards commenced three months earlier, the project is currently on a temporary halt. As a result, businesses based in the area are suffering great losses.

Redevelopment of Ameenee Magu was first contracted to Male’ City Council for MVR 39 million. The project was later awarded to Road Development Corporation (RDC) – for twice the amount at MVR 84 million on July 3.

Planning Ministry contracted RDC to develop 7.1 kilometers of asphalt road, install a storm drain system, and install street lights within 210 days. Physical works on the redevelopment of Ameenee Magu was officially inaugurated on August 30, during a special ceremony.

Three months later, on Tuesday, RDC announced their decision to temporarily halt physical works on the redevelopment of Ameenee Magu over equipment constraints. To date, asphalt has not been laid at any parts of the road – including where the road intersects with Boduthakurufaanu Magu up until Irudheymaa Hingun which had been closed for redevelopment works.

As a result, many have questioned the delays in laying asphalt over the area. This is as many days have passed since all works in the area, apart from laying asphalt had been completed.

At present, the area of the road is now accessible to vehicles, for both driving and parking. It has previously been leveled out, after the removal of the paving stones. Subsequently, a lot of people have emphasized on the possibility of having to undertake work previously completed.

Moreover, the delays in the project continue to cause huge losses for businesses based in the area.

Owners of shops in operation in the area have emphasized on the present condition of the road causing major losses – also expressing concern over the delays in the project further exacerbating the issue.

“In reality, not a lot of people enter (the shop) now. Even in the past three months, due to its condition. And the condition it is presently in. This brought a huge change to the business. The revenue earned also significantly deceased,” an owner of the shop based in the area of Ameenee Magu currently under redevelopment had said.

The area comprises of popular restaurants and cafés as well. Owners of the restaurants and cafés report that they presently do not even make half of the revenue previously generated.

“A lot of people previously come after finishing office hours, or during break time. But the way the road is, makes it difficult for them to enter (the café). Am very concerned, therewith, because this is causing such a huge loss,” a café owner had said.

The area of Ameenee Magu currently under redevelopment also comprised of a popular clinic, Family Care, which provides a magnitude of healthcare services. The clinic is also facing huge losses over the present condition of the road.

“This place provides a large number of various services, even to elderly people. For example, wheelchair-bound persons as well. But, how can they access here, due to the condition of the road. There have been many circumstances where people were unable to access the clinic. Many similar obstructions were faced. Revenue also significantly decreased,” the manager of Family Care said.

The manager detailed that the clinic’s daily revenue has decreased by 10 percent.

All businesses providing goods and services for the public based in the area report similar situations.

Their hope is completion of the redevelopment works at the earliest – as the longer the project delays, the greater the losses.