President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said that the decision to create a separate Male' transport office under the Land Transport Act was based on his past administrative experience in various posts.
The president made these remarks at a ceremony held at the President's Office today where he ratified multiple bills, including the Land Transport Act.
The President noted that the new Male' transport office would carry several responsibilities and duties. He stressed that this decision was made in light of his experiences over several years.
"This is something we have done based on several years' experience. In various roles, at different times, I have worked on these issues related to Male's traffic and roads. This amendment has been brought in light of all that experience," the President said.
He asserted that the newly ratified Land Transport Act would bring increased safety and convenience to the public.
The new Land Transport Act was submitted to parliament by Kurendhoo MP Mohamed Shaamin Habeeb. The bill was passed through 47 out of the 59 MPs in attendance voting in favour. The 12 opposition MDP MPs voted against the bill.
The bill initially had seven chapters, and was passed with another chapter added on during the committee stage.
This eighth chapter, 'Special Policies for the Male' Region', was added as, unlike other areas, the Male' area is home to a large population and higher traffic, causing more challenges in traffic management. The chapter aims to address this, and stipulates that separate provisions will be made to transport management in the Male' region, which is designated as a Registration and Traffic Management Controlled Zone.
The chapter calls for the formation of the 'Greater Male' Transport and Mobility Office' to manage transport services in the capital.
This chapter is included in the bill as a sunset chapter, one that will be voided in three years. If the objective of the chapter is not reached within this period, the duration can be increased through proposing it to the National Road Safety Council, the Act reads.
The National Road Safety Council is also to be established under this Act, which holds the responsibility of advising on matters relating to road safety.
Responsibilities of the Greater Male' Transport and Mobility Office
- Policy drafting to address traffic congestion and other land transport challenges in the Male' area
- Drafting an urban plan and developing roads to establish a robust land transport system
- Determining quotas for vehicle registrations in the Male' area. New vehicles registrations are not to exceed 30 percent of registration cancellations.
- Determining public transport guidelines
- Establishing an automated vehicle inspection system to monitor road worthiness
As per the Act, the office will also have the authority to draft regulations to facilitate fulfilling its duties.
Several services currently under the Male' City Council will be transferred under this new Transport office. This is a matter which opposition members raised concerns about during the committee discussions.
