Stalls at the Male' local market will be relocated to the temporary market to allow completion of pavement works along Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male' City Council said.

Male' City Council has begun moving stalls currently operating on the pavement area of the market, following road-widening works on the Male's outermost road.

Mayor Adam Azim said 55 stalls located along the roadside will be transferred to temporary sites, including the parking area behind the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) building and another temporary market space in front of the High Court.

Around 100 stalls operate in the Valhomas market area adjacent to the local market.

Pavement work along the road had remained incomplete when the upgraded stretch was opened, as the market area had not been vacated during construction.

Housing Ministry previously said the delay was due to difficulties in clearing the area, despite requests made to the city council.

The government has since decided to relocate the market entirely and develop a new facility. A private company, Malé Wet Market Complex, was awarded a contract in March to construct a modern market at a cost of MVR 127 million.

The planned six-storey complex will include parking in the basement, a fish market on the ground floor, vegetable markets across the next three levels, and a food court on the fourth floor.

The project is being developed with grant assistance from the Japanese government.

Redevelopment of Boduthakurufaanu Magu by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has seen the road widened and asphalted from the North Harbour area to the Presidential Jetty. The remaining section, from the jetty to the Henveiru ferry terminal, is currently closed to complete works, including land reclamation and extension of the harbour boundary.