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