President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government aims to complete ongoing renovation of public squares and parks in the Male' area by Eid.

Speaking at last night's PNC 'Tharaavees' dinner, the President noted that parks developed during his time as Housing Minister has since fallen into disrepair. This was the result of the Male' City Council failing to properly maintain the spaces over the past two years, he alleged. 

With the council failing to take up responsibility for their duties, the government had stepped in and taken on the renovation of the parks, the President said. 

The President highlighted that several public spaces, including Sultan Park, Republic Square, Rasfannu and Tsunami Monument Square had fallen into serious neglect over the past two years. The council's failure to fulfill its duties caused harm to the residents of Male', he said. 

President Muizzu revealed that the majority of the renovation work at the Republic Square has now been completed. Sultan Park, too, is being redeveloped with new features, while the Tsunami Monument Square is also being fully renovated, he said, adding that the target is to complete all three projects by the upcoming Eid. 

Sultan Park was shut down for renovations on August 20 last year. At the time, the work was expected to be completed within three months. 

Republic Square, renovation of which is contracted to Road Development Corporation, has been temporarily opened to the public this Ramadan after numerous new trees were planted and the seating redesigned. Some work is still ongoing at the Republic Square. 

Repair work at the Tsunami Monument Square began early this month. The area has fallen into serious neglect, with the monument itself now rusty and dull. Paving on the grounds have been swept off to sea, and lights in the square are no longer working.