President Solih inaugrates Malé Streetscaping Project

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has inaugurated the Malé Streetscaping Project during a special ceremony held on Monday.

Speaking at the special ceremony held at the West Park area, President Solih stated that the project will shape the capital into the safe, convenient city visualised by his Administration.

Highlighting some of the main concerns of Male' city residents, President Solih noted that the city's roads are hazardous to motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians alike.

Moreover, he recognised the need for proper essential services, adding that the new project will address concerns of the public in addition to increasing public safety.

President Solih further reiterated the administration's commitment to providing all necessary support and assistance to Malé City Council - who is tasked with the MVR462 million project as per the Decentralisation Act while the Road Development Corporation in charge of the public works.

President Solih went onto highlight other projects planned by the administration, revealing that the development of 3,000 housing units will begin development within a month, while work on an additional 4,000 housing units is set to start later in the year.

Moreover, the president also reiterated the administration's commitment to providing assistance to applicants of projects launched by previous governments such as the Public Housing Scheme – Hiyaa, and the Veshi Fahi Malé Programm.

The president also revealed that the relocation of Malé Commercial Harbour to Gulhifalhu and the Malé-Thilafushi Bridge project will launch before the month of June.

The project consists of road resurfacing, development of a conventional ducting system and underground utility lines, street beautification, parking solutions and introduction of a city-wide public transport network.

As such, streets of Malé have been allocated under five categories: arterial roads, city roads, secondary roads, neighbourhood roads and pedestrian streets.

According to the President's Office, the project seeks to make the roads safer for people of all ages and abilities as well as assimilating essential infrastructure for parking, stormwater drainage, dewatering for construction sites, and an active fire hydrant system.

A total of 18.08 kilometres of roads will be developed during the project, and the first phase of the project is expected to conclude in July.