While this island is peaceful for those who visit to enjoy the beach and calmness over the weekend, the deep-rooted issues faced by the citizens of Villimale are becoming more apparent as the transportation issue surfaces.
Source: psmnews
If you have visited Villimale’ you will definitely notice the difference between the island and the other two neighbouring islands - Hulhumale’ and Male’ city. Tucked away just ten minutes by ferry boat, Villimale’ is a slice of heaven for those who endure the traffic heavy and overpopulated city of Male’.
One of the first things you will notice when visiting this island is how quiet and peaceful it is compared to the city regardless of its close proximity. It's an island that you can visit where you can really hear yourself thinking, feel the fresh air on your face and listen to mother nature. So what makes the big difference between Villimale’ compared to Hulhumale’ and Male city?
Anyone who has lived in the Maldives or observed the difference will tell you that the answer is their eco-friendly mode of transportation. The island of Villimale' only allows the use of battery-powered vehicles, making the air more breathable and contributing to the lack of noise pollution. One of the driving factors behind so many people's deep love for the island has been the step taken by the Male' City Council to make the island environment-friendly.
However, one must wonder how people in Villimale' get around in an emergency. All of the battery-powered vehicles in Villimale' are bicycles and buggies, which means there are no battery-powered cars or pick-up trucks that can transport someone from their home to the ferry terminal in an emergency. An island cannot, of course, progress toward eco-friendliness without taking into account the rights to health and wellness of its citizens. This is not to say that Villimale' needs to bring in motor vehicles; there are eco-friendly modes of transportation available; however, why are they not used in Villimale'?
Even more shocking is the fact that Villimale' has buggies available for use, but they appear to be unused as if no one needs them. These electric buggies were introduced to the island in 2014 by a company called 99 Holdings as a low-cost taxi service. However, it appears that did little after the buggies were brought into the island, as the buggies can still be found abandoned in the corner of the island, while the islanders' complaints about a lack of transportation continue to mount.
Speaking on this issue, the Council Mayor of the island expressed the frustrations that the islanders have to face, especially in emergencies due to the lack of transportation facilities available.
“There is no way to reach the ferry in Villimale'. Even in emergency situations or even when it comes to transporting pregnant women, wheelbarrows have also been used in the past”
In a desperate attempt to find a viable mode of transportation for the citizens of Villimale’, talks have started regarding the dismissal of the agreement regarding the usage of electric buggies and turning to another form of eco-friendly transportation service in Villimale’.
While this island is peaceful for those who visit to enjoy the beach and calmness over the weekend, the deep-rooted issues faced by the citizens of Villimale' are becoming more apparent as the transportation issue surfaces.
