Celebrating the 2nd year in office, the 4th administration of the Malé City Council has updated the council’s Strategic Action Plan (SAP) at the 102nd official general meeting of the council.
Senior Council Executive Ahmed Shareef outlined on the objectives achieved from the council’s SAP, noting that while a significant percentage of objectives have been achieved within the past two years, some of the objectives have been delayed in implementation due to the council being unable to fully exercise its powers and mandate.
He noted that under the “Housing for the People” policy, the council has submitted its land use plan for approval at the Planning Ministry and from 06 September 2021 to 21 December 2022 they had undergone 11 stages of assessment yet the ministry is yet to approve the land use plan despite the council completing all the prerequisites for the approval.
Ahmed Shareef also noted on the successful implementation of the “Digital Malé” program where comprehensive information about all the services provided by the council and information on the city are available from a single platform. He stated that 80% of the project has been now completed including the development of a portal, 24 hours call center, development of Malé City Council’s media center and the drafting of a book on the history of the city.
He also deliberated on the ongoing efforts under the council’s SAP’s “Appealing Road Networks”, special pavements have been designed and utilized to aid access to homes without impediment from parked vehicles, removal of 80% of the abandoned vehicles on the streets of the city, a financially viable solution to parking, introduction of buggy service in Villimalé and the inception of the community engagement unit to enhance the municipal services provided by the council.
Under its “Beautiful Malé city” policy, the council has endeavored to expand the religious activities held in mosques besides prayers, completed 60% of the necessary works to renovate and refurbish the parks and public spaces, completed 70% of the ambitious project to plant 100,000 trees in the capital city with the aid of the public, and installed sign boards with positive messages and words of encouragement. In addition to the council also successfully completed 80% of the work required to create pedestrianized roads.
He also noted that following consultation with experts and referring to existing laws and regulations, the council is also seeking to resolve the issue of the rising number of stray cats in the city. He also stated that the council is developing addressing the issues at the Fisherman’s market, travelers’ market, local market and has also developed the Villimalé local market. Ahmed Shareef also noted that the council is also implementing the “Clean Roads” project with public cooperation.
Under the council’s “Affluent Living” policy, the council has identified and provided employment opportunities for a large number of residents. Under this program, the council has reduced the number of foreign workers; replacing them with locals including those with disabilities. The council has also revised many of the forms used to provide municipal services and has applied for the registration of a local authority company to enable the council to provide more services which could contribute to a positive impact on the livelihood of the residents of the city.
Under the “Efficient Administration” policy of the council’s SAP, the council has endorsed the mayoral pledges, enhanced cooperation with 15 other local councils. In addition, to this, the council has also revised and enhanced its administrative structure and created committees to provide oversight over the many projects implemented by the council.