Locations to operate auction house in Malé City to be identified

Minister of Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar has stated that the government is in the process of formulating regulations to identify locations for the re-operation of the auction house (Neelan Fihaara) in Malé City next month.

The auction house, previously situated in the old no. 1 garbage disposal area, faced multiple fires and significant damage. Following a fire incident in January of this year, the location was closed.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Minister Adam Shareef said that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has instructed the government to find suitable places for the auction house in Malé City.

"The auction shops that were operating as businesses are now at a standstill. However, the President has instructed us to identify locations so that these shops can operate in Malé in the right direction and complete the process as soon as possible," he said.

Preparations are being made in coordination with the Malé City Council, and the aim is to announce the rules and regulations for allotment by the beginning of next month, the minister said.

Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the current President, had announced that the auction house would not be operated on the land that was previously used when he was the Mayor of Malé City.

The council said that it was working to arrange alternative ways to operate the auction house with safety regulations in place. However, the then government did not cooperate, and no solution was found.

The Malé City Council has also stated that the auction house was run on a large plot of land in a way that did not benefit the government.