Transport Ministry orders cancellation of leased parking slots

The Transport Ministry has directed the Male’ City Council to revoke all parking slots previously allocated for rent on the streets of Male’ city. This decision aims to open these spaces for public use.

Male’ City Mayor Adam Azim informed Sun that the government has decided to designate all parking slots previously leased for four-wheelers as public areas. The Mayor confirmed that the Transport Ministry has officially notified the council of this decision.

According to Mayor Azim, all affected parking slots will be designated as public spaces from the last week of this month. He added that the government's decision was made following advice from the Attorney General.

The practice of leasing parking spaces from the streets of Male’ city was initiated during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s tenure as the Mayor of Male’ city. Currently, parking slots are rented for MVR 1,500 for private cars and MVR 700 for taxis.

One of the most significant challenges facing Male’ city is the severe lack of parking. The public has consistently voiced concerns about the scarcity of parking spaces, a problem that has largely remained unaddressed.

Upon assuming office, President Muizzu had stated that vehicles would not be issued parking stickers without ensuring adequate legitimate parking spaces within the city.

The parking problem in Male' City is considered extremely serious due to the number of vehicles far exceeding the urban carrying capacity of the existing road and parking infrastructure, leading to severe congestion and related issues.

While some areas of the city previously featured mechanical parking infrastructure, these facilities were not utilized. A comprehensive long-term solution for this issue is yet to be established.

Currently, the city council is creating new parking spaces by vacating cemeteries in Male’ city. The Maafannu ward cemetery has been cleared to construct a parking lot and a public square. Additionally, a section of the Galolhu ward cemetery, where the mortuary is located, has been cleared for parking.

However, these actions have drawn significant public concern regarding the desecration of cemeteries. The Fatwa Council has also issued a statement indicating that cemeteries cannot be vacated for such purposes.