Grandparents Urge Park, Not Sports Arena, on Last Open Space in Sinamalé and Malé Hiyaa
20 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 12:03Residents and senior citizens living in the Sinamalé and Maléhiya flats are expressing deep concern over the removal of trees and seating from the vacant lot across from Furqaan Mosque to make way for a new futsal pitch. Critics argue that destroying one of the few remaining green spaces used for relaxation is unacceptable, especially given the abundance of existing sports facilities in the vicinity. Despite formal complaints lodged by the residents with the Malé City Council, the Council has clarified that the land has been transferred from its jurisdiction to the Ministry of Housing, Land, and Urban Development.
Residents living near Masjid al-Furqan, particularly senior citizens, are expressing deep concern over the decision to construct a futsal court on the vacant lot located directly in front of the mosque. | RaajjeMV
Residents living near Masjid al-Furqan in Malé, particularly senior citizens, have expressed concern over the decision to develop a futsal pitch on the vacant lot located in front of the mosque.
The government has commenced work on the site, formerly used as a park, following a decision to develop a football pitch specifically for the youth.
Residents living near Masjid al-Furqan, particularly senior citizens, are expressing deep concern over the decision to develop a futsal pitch on the vacant lot located directly in front of the mosque.
Residents living near Masjid al-Furqan, particularly senior citizens, are expressing growing concern over the decision to develop a futsal pitch on the vacant lot located directly in front of the mosque.
A senior citizen residing in Gaakoshi expressed that they were initially very pleased when the land in front of the mosque was being developed into a park with lush greenery. However, they were suddenly confronted with the sight of the trees being cut down and the benches being removed and discarded. The resident further noted that with a large stadium and several futsal pitches already located nearby, the decision to construct a sports court directly in front of the mosque is unacceptable.
He also noted that the only children's park in the area is open only during specific hours of the day.
Residents living near Masjid al-Furqan, particularly senior citizens, are expressing deep concern over the decision to develop a futsal pitch on the vacant lot located directly in front of the mosque.
Elderly residents have noted that with numerous families residing in the Sinamalé, Male’hiya, and Gaakoshi flats, there are no longer any other open spaces in the area where people can gather and relax.
"We don't even have a small space where we can take our children out. Unlike this area, other flat complexes have small parks developed nearby where residents can spend time outside."A senior citizen expresses concern
Residents of the Sinamalé and Male'hiya flats have lodged formal complaints with the Malé City Council regarding this matter. However, the City Council stated that the land has been removed from its jurisdiction and transferred to the Ministry of Housing, Land, and Urban Development.
The Ministry of Housing has yet to provide an official comment on the matter.
