Vehicles Occupy 64 percent of Malé Roads; Urgent Action Needed to Decongest: Mayor Azim
During a workshop held to address congestion in Malé, the Malé City Council decided to strengthen the transport network and formulate eco-friendly policies. Based on findings from a UN-assisted survey, Mayor Adam Azim emphasized that cooperation from all state institutions is essential to transforming Malé into a safe and livable city.
Male' City Mayor Adam Azim speaking at an event. | Raajje MV
The Mayor of Male' City, Adam Azim, has stated that vehicles occupy 64 percent of the road space in the capital, emphasizing the urgent need for measures to alleviate congestion.
The Mayor made these remarks while speaking at the "Consultation Workshop on Decongestion and Disaster Resilience" held on Monday. The workshop focused on discussing strategies to alleviate congestion in the Male' region and enhancing disaster response capabilities.
This workshop serves as a platform for extensive consultation among government agencies, technical experts, the private sector, and civil society organizations to address the challenges of congestion and disaster risks in the Greater Male' Area and to identify sustainable solutions.
The Mayor stated that the meeting will facilitate the identification of challenges and opportunities to strengthen the transport system, taking into account the latest research and developments in the field.
Mayor Azim stated that as Male' is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, it faces significant and complex challenges. He noted that the city's streets and public spaces have become increasingly congested due to rising economic activity and heightened public mobility, which is negatively impacting public health and the overall quality of life.
Furthermore, Azim noted that vehicles occupy 64 percent of the space on Male' City's roads. He emphasized the urgent need to implement measures to alleviate this congestion.
To address these issues, the Malé City Council has conducted an "Urban Mobility Survey" with the assistance of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
The Mayor stated that the survey has gathered crucial data regarding vehicle ownership patterns, commuting habits, and the most congested areas, as well as the challenges faced by pedestrians.
Furthermore, the Mayor emphasized that addressing the issue of vehicle emissions is essential for the Maldives to achieve its target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2030. He also stated that efforts to mitigate environmental impacts must be prioritized alongside the preservation of greenery and open spaces.
The Mayor assured that the Male' City Council will formulate actionable policies based on the outcomes of this workshop. In this regard, Mayor Azim stated that cooperation from all stakeholders is essential to transform Male' into a safe, decongested, and environmentally friendly city that is prepared for future growth.
