Work is currently under way to alter the design of narrow streets in Malé and establish convenient parking solutions, Mohamed Saeed, the Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, said. A holistic solution to persistent traffic congestion must accompany the comprehensive development of thoroughfares across the capital, Minister Saeed noted, outlining an 11-point government vision during a President’s Office press conference.
Major infrastructure work to redevelop all roads in Malé is scheduled to commence this year with financial and technical assistance from the Chinese government, reflecting the primary vision of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the minister stated. To address the parking deficit, the government is pursuing two tracks: erecting multi-storey parking structures and reconfiguring street layouts to resolve chronic bottlenecks. Structural modifications will initially begin across four sample streets where roadside parking renders corridors impassable to four-wheeled vehicles, Minister Saeed observed.
“Specifically regarding streets where four-wheeled vehicles cannot enter, arrangements will allow parking on one side while keeping the opposite side clear,” Minister Saeed elaborated. Street layouts will enable residents to cross mid-block rather than walking to street ends, alongside corner parking prohibitions enforced by traffic police.
Financial requirements for these alterations can be fully funded through vehicle registration and annual fees collected in the Malé region, Minister Saeed asserted, adding that specific allocations remain earmarked for local council municipal services. Ministry statistics indicate 130,806 vehicles are registered locally, comprising 115,895 motorcycles and 14,911 four-wheeled vehicles, generating annual revenue exceeding USD 12.97 million.