Mayor: High hopes of launching buggy service in Vilimale’ this month

Male’ City Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on Thursday, stated there are high hopes to launch buggy service in Vilimale’ within the first 15 days of this month.

Male’ City Council decided to assume the responsibility of providing buggy service in Vilimale’ at the 63^rd general meeting of the fourth session held last August in light of the difficulties in transport faced at the district. The proposal was put forth by Vilimale’ constituency councilor Nahula Ali.

The buggies needed for the provision of the service have already been brought to Male’ City. While the Council initially targeted to commence the service last month – they were unsuccessful in this trajectory.

In an interview to Sun – Mayor Muizzu said that presently the Council was undertaking final administrative works as they prepare to launch buggy service in Vilimale’.

“Nearing the completion of almost everything. The buggies have now been brought to Male’,” he added.

A total of 10 buggies will be used to provide the service in Vilimale’ which comprises of three four-seaters, three six-seaters, one 12-seater, two for transportation of goods, and one for transportation of sick people.

As they are all electric buggies – Mayor Muizzu noted that efforts were also underway to establish charging stations for them. He expressed hope to launch the buggy service as soon as possible after charging stations are completed.

“High hopes of launching the buggy service within the first two weeks of March, or in other words by mid-March. Very hopeful about launching before the 15^th. We will announce an exact date at a later time,” he said.

Muizzu noted that the absence of a taxi service in Vilimale’, despite the district’s high population, has raised various difficulties.

Although Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) recently launched bus service in Vilimale' – Muizzu said that the service is not reliable as the buses only travel on specific routes.

“{Buggies) will travel on specific routes as well as drop customers in front of their homes, just like taxis,” he said.

Muizzu said that the buggies specific for the transportation of goods and sick people respectively will also be proven useful for Vilimale’ residents.