Public will not be charged for road digging despite fee hike

Male’ City Council Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the regulation formulated by Male’ City Council to increase road digging fees will not impact normal citizens.

State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) had filed a case with the High Court on the regulation on road works with and without closure of roads formulated by the Male’ City Council – challenging the legitimacy of the regulation. In their claim, they further alleged that the regulation would pose many difficulties for the people.

Citing the regulation to be unenforceable STELCO had requested the court to rule regarding the legitimacy of the regulation – also requesting the court to issue an interim order to stall the implementation of the regulation until the court reaches a decision.

Speaking to Sun regarding the regulation – Mayor Muizzu said that the regulation was drawn up in a manner it does not pose difficulties to the people. He also stressed not understanding STELCO’s allegations that the regulation was formulated to ‘burden’ people.

Noting having received many complaints regarding the regulation from the public – he underscored having decreased road digging fees on two occasions following discussions.

“No fee is charged especially from the public to bury cables required for households. We only charge businesses and for road digging in nonresidential areas for commercial purposes. We do not charge for connecting electricity to the households of normal citizens,” he said.

Muizzu said that the Council had met with STELCO regarding their concerns and clarified their queries. Moreover, he said they had also sent a letter.

“They are now clear on the issue. Said they would not pursue the court case any further. We do not know what they did later, however. We have no intention of burdening anyone. Whether be it people or companies. We wish for everyone to work together,” he said.

Responding to a question by Sun – STELCO’s Spokesperson said the company has decided to not pursue the case any further.