President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced a project to develop 3,000 housing units will be launched next month. The president made the announcement at the function to inaugurate the Male' Streetscaping Project.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Solih acknowledged the biggest issue faced by citizens of Male' City is lack of proper housing. In this regard, the president said the administration attaches high importance to provide affordable housing for citizens of Male' City, adding several projects have been launched to address the issue. He although he pledged to construct 4,000 housing units during his campaign, discussions with relevant authorities have highlighted the need for more housing units.
Furthermore, President Solih stated the Male' Streetscaping Project will shape the development of the capital as a safer, more convenient city envisioned by his administration. Speaking in this regard, the president highlighted some of the main concerns of the residents of Male', including the conditions of roads which lead to hazards to motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, adding the provision of adequate essential services is also one of these concerns. He stated the new project was designed to address most of these concerns while also increasing public safety and alleviating difficulties faced by the residents.
The Male' Streetscaping Project encompasses 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. The streets of Male' are classified into five categories; arterial roads, city roads, secondary roads, neighbourhood roads and pedestrian streets.
The project is designed to safely accommodate travellers of all ages and abilities, motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transport users, in addition to incorporating critical infrastructure for parking, stormwater drainage, dewatering for construction sites and an active fire hydrant system. It would see the development of 18.08 kilometres of roads, with the first phase of the project set to be completed in July.