In an effort to provide the capital with suburban bliss, selected roads are being closed off by the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. As we enjoy the neighbourhood in the light of a close knit community, there will be barriers in the transition. While concerns are being voiced, it is important to remember that these issues can be resolved.
“This is not good. There’s a garage here, we’re working hard to get by. Now we can’t even accommodate a vehicle here. Small businesses like us would suffer.” A workshop owner said.
True, business won’t be the same. But how many times have we put our own needs ahead of others? Had we not endured behind a truck unloading its cargo while blocking the road?
Speaking about the issue Ms. Fathimath Rasheed says, “Maybe it’s not so bad, what the government had done. For example, if someone (local businesses) are bringing in stock, the road is blocked. But they don’t have a choice in the matter if they want to keep their business. But the ministry has promised to open the roads at a schedule so I think it’s acceptable.”
While Raiyvilla Magu and Heena Goalhi in Henveiru have been closed under this project, Minister of Housing Dr Mohamed Muizzu says those roads, having warehouses and shops, would be open for a limited time every night, and discussions are underway before a final decision can be made.
This is a completely new project in the Maldives. Being so, there would be difficulties on both sides. The country went through the same struggles in the early stages when taxation was introduced. The minister said the government’s approach on the matter is to work closely with the community. And both sides need to support each other going forward.
Even so, there are legitimate concerns from the public. Janavaree Magu is already a heavy parking area. The question is: Would a new parking zone being developed on the road be enough?
“It won’t be enough now, would it? This is how much the parking zone is occupied in broad daylight. Imagine, around midnight, the place would be full. I don’t think, I’m sure, the new parking area would not be enough.” Yousef, a citizen living at Raiyvilla Magu spoke out. The minister also said, with the roads being closed off to vehicles, the people parking on these roads would be issued a special sticker giving them access to the new parking area and these stickers would be issued soon.
These efforts are made for the sake of the people. In time, the citizens would benefit from the city becoming a peaceful place to live. The governmental development projects with the parks in Male’ were undertaken in hopes of reaching the same goals. But in the end, these parks turned in to places of crime and malice.
Closing off some roads maybe good for the community. But it is important to keep in mind the negative impact it may have as well. These roads might facilitate a birthplace for gangs and the violence that comes with them. While closing the roads, the government need to take special care in keeping the community safe.