The government has announced plans to regulate the automobile industry to ensure compliance with Maldivian laws and regulations. This move aims to address the pressing issue of vehicle congestion in Male’ City.
Speaking at the launch of the Male’ Fahi Programme, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen emphasised the need for collaborative efforts among various agencies to find a solution to the vehicle congestion problem. He highlighted that reducing the number of vehicles and curbing illegal activities on the roads would significantly enhance safety.
Minister Ameen also pointed out that the roads of Male’ have been misused as storage spaces for the automobile industry. He noted the discontinuation of previously circulated garage letters that lacked actual garages, exacerbating the congestion issue. To tackle this problem, he pledged to regulate the automobile industry, ensuring it adheres to the nation’s laws and regulations. This includes future legal changes to formalise the regulation of the sector and eliminate the misuse of city roads for vehicle storage.
However, despite these plans, the suspension of the use of stickers for vehicles violating parking rules has led to additional challenges. This policy change has resulted in vehicles being parked indiscriminately across the city, obstructing pedestrian pathways and making Male’ City increasingly difficult for pedestrians to navigate. The lack of enforcement has allowed vehicles to occupy spaces meant for pedestrians, exacerbating congestion and safety issues in the city.
As part of the Male’ Fahi Programme, several measures will be implemented to address issues related to the automobile industry. A recent survey identified over 1,100 unregistered four-wheelers parked on the streets of Male’ and Hulhumale’, violating existing regulations. To address this, a designated area will be provided for businesses to store their vehicles on a commercial basis starting from August 1.
Minister Ameen stressed the importance of registering the automobile industry like any other sector and ensuring compliance with Maldivian laws. These steps are expected to significantly reduce congestion and improve road safety in Male’ City.
While the government’s efforts to regulate the automobile industry and reduce vehicle congestion are commendable, the challenges posed by the suspension of parking enforcement highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to urban management. Addressing both the regulation of the automobile industry and the enforcement of parking rules will be crucial in creating a safer and more accessible Male’ City for all residents and visitors.
