The Housing Ministry stated today that the project awarded to MTCC to develop the Male' Market to modern standards is being delayed because the City Council has failed to hand over the land despite repeated requests.
The project to develop the Male' Wet Market Complex with modern facilities was awarded to MTCC on March 15, 2026.
In a statement issued by the ministry, it noted that all requirements to be fulfilled by the ministry to commence the practical work of the project, including ensuring that financing is secured, have been completed. It also stated that the contractor has completed the necessary preparations to start the work.
The ministry stated that the Wet Market Complex is designed to provide market services to modern standards. While the basement of the building is designated for parking space, the ground floor is allocated for the fish market, and the first, second, and third floors are dedicated to the agricultural produce, fruit, and vegetable market. It has also been decided to develop a food court on the terrace.
The scope of the project includes all civil, structural, architectural, and MEP works, and the ministry further noted that it encompasses finishing works, a fire fighting system, five elevators, stainless steel kiosks required for displaying fish, wooden kiosks for displaying vegetables, and the installation of a five-ton ice machine.
The ministry expressed concern, stating that although it has repeatedly requested the council to arrange the land required to start the project, the land has not been arranged so far. Along with this, the details of the letters sent to the council requesting the land were also made public.
Details of the letters sent to the Council
- On March 29, the first letter was sent requesting the handover of the land.
- On April 11, with financing secured, the contractor requested permission to access the land.
- On April 12, a second letter was sent requesting the handover of the land before the 18th of that month.
- On April 30, the City Council replied stating that the Mayor of the City Council, Adam Azim, wished to meet with the Minister before handing over the land.
- On May 3, a third letter was sent requesting the land to be handed over before May 7.
- On May 18, another letter was sent once again requesting the land to be handed over before May 31.
The ministry stated that despite sending letters four times, the land has not been handed over so far.
"Even though the administrative matters and financing for this project have been secured and the contractor is fully prepared to start practical work, the sole reason this work has not commenced is because the land designated for running the project has not been cleared and handed over to the ministry." the statement issued by the ministry read.
The value of this project, which is being carried out under a contractor finance model, is MVR 117 million. Under the project, which is awarded to be completed within two years, the funds are scheduled to be paid back distributed over a period of 50 months. When the work on the place is fully finished, it will be built to six stories and will provide 85,000 square feet of space.
The ministry stated that this project is a highly necessary project for the residents of Male' and the government's target is to commence this project as quickly as possible for the benefit and interest of the public.
