President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has affirmed that the development of a new market in the current location of the local market will effectively address the prevailing concerns of the traders. He made the affirmation during the "Raees ge Javaab" series, which facilitates direct public interaction with the President on diverse issues.
Abdulla Ibrahim Manik from Baarah, Haa Alifu Atoll, expressed concerns to President Dr. Muizzu regarding the condition of the current local market in Male' City and the involvement of foreigners in business activities there. He also emphasised that the existing markets are not suitable for selling food and raised the issue of foreigners operating market stalls.
In response, President Dr. Muizzu assured that the issues highlighted will be resolved with the introduction of the new market. As such, he said that the government has granted permission to the Male' City Council to construct a modern market in the current market's location, addressing the issues raised by local traders and foreign businesses.
Additionally, President Dr. Muizzu acknowledged that the matter involving foreigners is complex, stating that market stalls will be allocated to Maldivians. He also expressed hope that collaboration among government stakeholders would lead to a resolution in the future.
Furthermore, President Dr. Muizzu disclosed that the construction of the new market is scheduled to commence after the conclusion of Ramadan. He also said that the market will serve as a temporary trading space for existing local market vendors during the interim period.
The new market will feature seven floors, with the lowest floor designated for the fish market. The first, second, and third floors will cater to both the tourist and local markets. The top floor will house a market equipped with a cold storage facility, along with food courts and a parking lot in the basement. Deputy Mayor of the Male' City Council Ahmed Nareesh affirmed that the new market is expected to be completed within eight months.