Male' City council has announced that the Traveler's Market is set to be rebuilt as a four-story building.
Speaking to RaajjeTV, Mayor Shifa Mohamed claimed that the council's aim is to facilitate as many vendors as possible at the traveller's market located in the capital city. Hence, a four-story building is set to be constructed in the market space in addition to a parking zone in the area, said the mayor. She also added that Speaker of Parliament, Mohamed Nasheed also participated in the discussions when this decision was made.
Shifa further revealed that the project's building designs are being made in collaboration with the Housing Development Corporation Ltd (HDC) whereas the Ministry of Finance is in charge of procuring funding. She also stated that, if necessary, the council is prepared to take a loan for the project.
Moreover, while highlighting the space constraints of the market area, the mayor stated that this issue must also be addressed.
Further, she disclosed that a survey by the council's committee for the market renovation project found that 53% of the market was occupied by migrant workers.
As such, she emphasised that the new Traveler's Market will be very different from the previous one with much better hygiene standards. Additionally, she revealed that the market building design will be publicised very soon.