The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen has announced a comprehensive strategy to alleviate severe vehicle congestion especially in the capital Male’ region, including plans to propose significant amendments to the Transport Act and expedite the completion of new parking facilities.
Speaking in Parliament last week, Minister Ameen stated he is collaborating with the Attorney General's office to introduce legal reforms that would empower the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation to directly address vehicle limitations and overall congestion.
Under current legislation, local island councils hold the authority to determine vehicle carrying capacity. Minister Ameen aims to shift this responsibility, proposing amendments that would grant his Ministry the legal framework to make such critical decisions.
"I will propose amendments to the Transport Act to bring about changes within the legal framework so that the Ministry can do that," Minister Ameen affirmed, also indicating changes to how motorcycles are registered under companies.
Beyond legislative changes, Minister Ameen also provided an update on much-anticipated parking infrastructure, assuring lawmakers that parking buildings in the Male’ and Hulhumale’ areas are slated for handover within the next month. This assurance comes amidst parliamentary concerns regarding construction delays for these vital parking solutions.
The Minister elaborated on the project, stemming from an October 2024 agreement with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), which envisions 15 parking buildings providing 4,000 parking slots across Hulhumale’. These facilities will include 3,920 car parking spaces and 3,426 motorcycle parking spaces.
Minister Ameen stated that 90 percent of these slots would be sold at auction, with the remaining 10 percent designated for visitor or limited-time parking.
"The parking building will be awarded to companies on a design, build and operate basis. We will award the work to companies within the next month and give a specific deadline for completion," he added.
Highlighting previous successful interventions, Minister Ameen reported a significant reduction in new vehicle registrations. Compared to 2023, the number of vehicles registered in the Male’ area has decreased by a remarkable 74 percent, a testament to ongoing efforts to curb growth and ensure lawful registration practices.
The Minister reiterated his commitment to leave no room for illegal vehicle registration, emphasising that addressing the increasing number of vehicles requires an overarching solution, which the government is actively pursuing.