Saeed: Mosques Will Be Better Maintained Despite City Council Losing MVR 220m
9 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ބުދަ 08:08The Male' City Council has expressed concern over recent amendments to the Transport Act, which mandate that vehicle fee revenue be allocated specifically to addressing traffic issues. Mayor Adam Azim characterized the redirection of these funds as a setback for the decentralization system, while the government maintains that the move is a vital step toward strengthening the nation's transport infrastructure.
Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed. | Presidents office
Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed has stated that it is more appropriate to utilize the MVR 220 million collected from vehicle and registration fees in the Greater Male' Area to implement the Ministry of Transport's planned initiatives.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Minister stated that following recent amendments to the Transport Act, funds previously allocated to the Male' City Council will now be utilized specifically to address traffic congestion and strengthen the transportation system.
Minister Saeed stated that the City Council had previously been utilizing vehicle fees for various other purposes, such as disaster management and the maintenance of mosques. However, the Minister noted that following discussions with the Islamic Minister, he received assurances that the Ministry alone could manage the upkeep of mosques more effectively than the current arrangement. He further highlighted that councils are already allocated budgets, regardless of whether they receive vehicle fee revenue.
Male' City Mayor Adam Azim has expressed profound concern regarding the recent amendment to the Transport Act. The Mayor stated that the decision to eliminate vehicle fee revenue represents a significant setback for the decentralized administration of Male' City.
Azim stated that these funds serve as the primary financial resource for repairing Male' city streets, managing flood drainage, and providing public assistance during emergencies, as well as financing routine street sweeping and cleaning operations.
The Mayor further stated that the reduction in council funding would bring essential public services to a standstill, causing irreparable harm to the public interest and the standard of living for Malé residents. However, the government maintains that this change applies solely to vehicle registration zones and is intended to streamline and strengthen the transportation system.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu ratified the Land Transport Act on August 31, which mandates the establishment of a dedicated office titled "Greater Male' Transport and Mobility," an advisory board, and a specialized fund to strengthen and manage land transportation within the Male' region.
