Decision made to hand over land for Wet Market complex project only within legal and regulatory frameworks

The Male' City Council has decided that land for the wet market complex project will only be handed over in accordance with established laws and regulations.

The Male' City Council reached this decision during its fourth general meeting of the fifth session, held on Wednesday.

Following a formal request from the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources to transfer the land currently occupied by the Wet Market, the Male' City Council has deliberated on the matter. During these discussions, the Council noted that the Ministry of Housing had also repeatedly requested the handover of the same plot in the past. However, Mayor Adam Azim stated that the land cannot be transferred to any other party until existing contracts are legally terminated, as the previous administration had already signed development agreements for the site with two separate companies. The Mayor further confirmed that all relevant information regarding these contractual obligations has been shared with the appropriate government institutions.

A plot of land already leased to one party cannot be reallocated to another without first terminating the existing contract. Despite being fully aware of this, the Ministry signed an agreement with a third party for land that was not even in their possession, all without any consultation with the City Council. In my view, the Housing Minister’s decision to sign such an agreement on behalf of the government is a blatant violation of the law. This action continues to tarnish the government's reputation. Consequently, public trust is being eroded.

During the session, the City Council disclosed a letter sent to the Ministry of Housing regarding the matter. The letter detailed how the council had entered into agreements on two separate occasions. It further noted that when the then-Ministry of Housing decided to take over the project, all relevant documentation was transferred to the Ministry. The letter asserted that the transfer of these documents was carried out in violation of established procedures. Additionally, it outlined several legal concerns related to the issue, stating that the land could only be handed over once the existing agreements were formally annulled.

In their remarks regarding the matter, the councilors announced the decision to meet with the Ministry of Housing to seek a satisfactory resolution. Furthermore, the councilors resolved to persist in their efforts until the necessary cooperation is secured from the Housing Ministry.

Mayor Azim stated that the Male' Local Market has fallen into a state of severe dilapidation. He emphasized that it is crucial to redevelop the facility to a high standard as soon as possible to ensure the public has access to quality services.