Male' City

Decongesting Male' City

The project to remove the vehicles is going to be a collaborative effort between the Maldives Police, Male’ City Council, Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Customs, MTCC, Housing Ministry, WAMCO as well as the Economic Ministry.

The sheer number of abandoned vehicles lining the streets of Hulhumale' and Male' City is not just an eyesore but also a significant hindrance to urban mobility and safety. These neglected cars, left to rust and decay, often remain in place for months or even years, taking up valuable space that could otherwise be utilized for parking or pedestrian walkways.

The presence of these abandoned vehicles not only detracts from the aesthetic appeal of the city but also poses practical challenges for both pedestrians and motorists. Sidewalks are narrowed or completely blocked, forcing pedestrians to navigate around them or even walk on the road, putting them at risk of accidents. Moreover, the cluttered streets make it difficult for drivers to find parking spaces, exacerbating congestion issues and contributing to traffic jams.

Removing these abandoned vehicles would undoubtedly have numerous benefits for the city. In addition to freeing up valuable space that could be repurposed for designated parking areas, easing the parking crunch and reducing the frustration of motorists searching for a place to park it would also clear the streets of these eyesores and enhance the overall cleanliness and attractiveness of the urban landscape, contributing to a more pleasant environment for residents and visitors alike.

In order to address this issue that has been raised by citizens time and time again, the Transport Ministry has made the decision to remove such vehicles that are abandoned on the roads. According to the Ministry, the Government’s main concern are congested spaces in the City area, as well as the danger that is imposed due to the abandoned vehicles. The project to remove the vehicles is going to be a collaborative effort between the Maldives Police, Male’ City Council, Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Customs, MTCC, Housing Ministry, WAMCO as well as the Economic Ministry.

The project, which is going to be carried out in two phases has already started, and the Government agencies partaking in the project have formulated an Urban Traffic Decongestion Management Committee which will plan and carry out the needed work.

Phase one of the project, which started out on February 17th, 2024, includes several major steps. The first steps include:

  1. Removal of parts of vehicles that have been left on the roads for a long time and are not considered as vehicles
  2. A report has been prepared by surveying the streets of Male’ and Hulhumale’, identifying the parts of such vehicles
  3.  Provide the opportunity for those who wish to volunteer to dispose of vehicles. The opportunity to participate in the program is open until March
  4.  Identify, tow and destroy illegally parked vehicles for long periods
  5. To identify such vehicles, the committee studied the roads in the City in collaboration with the relevant authorities and prepared a report
  6. Vehicles will be removed from the road
  7. After towing, the vehicle will be disposed of or auctioned after giving 60 days to take possession of the vehicle
  8.  Removal of unregistered vehicles parked on the road
  9. With the increase in the number of such vehicles, permanent land will be arranged for the vehicles until they are registered
  10. Until such land is secured, temporary land will be allocated for it and such vehicles will be opened to move to that land

By taking proactive steps to address the problem of abandoned vehicles, authorities can improve the quality of life for residents, enhance urban aesthetics, and promote safer and more efficient transportation systems in Hulhumale' and Male' City.

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