Auction shops shifting to Hulhumale'

Minister of Housing Dr. Ali Haidar on Thursday, said the government's decision to shift auction shops in Male' City to Hulhumale' Phase I.

Dr. Haidar confirmed this during the press conference held to detail progress made by the ministry under the Hafthaa-14 (Week-14) roadmap of activities, intiaited by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

The minister said a plot has been designated from the industrial zone of Hulhumale' Phase to resume activities of auction shops. He added that allottment and other prerequisites are currently being attended before the venue is open for vendors.

In January 2023, a large fire broke out in the auction shop area in Male' City. Following the fire, the area was damaged beyond recovery, and Male' City Council had decided to relocate the activities of the auction shop elsewhere.

During Dr. Muizzu's tenure as Male' City Mayor, he had emphasized the importance for an auction shop in the Greater Male' Region. He however, added he was not satisfied with the shop's original location and relocated the shop.

While the current administration has decided to shift the shop to Hulhumale', the preceding government envisioned transferring the auction shop activities to either Gulhifalhu or Thilafushi.

The auction shop in Male' City was struck with fire on multiple occasions, including 2015 and 2017, and in both instances it was believed that the incidents may have been the result of arson.

In the fire that broke out last year, over 250 people were displaced and needed temporary shelter.