Malé City Council has nullified the announcement made earlier seeking parties interested in developing a water sports area in Vilimalé.
Mayor of Malé City Dr. Mohamed Muizzu told Mihaaru that they have decided to discontinue the development of a water sports project which was included in the city's action plan.
According to the council's website, the water sports project was discontinued at the request of the people. The city council always prioritises the development of Malé area per the wishes of the people, the statement read.
In a notice issued on 18 December, the council had opened an invitation for interested parties to contact the council before 5 January, 2023 regarding the design and operation of a water sports area in Vilimalé. The cost of the project would have been incurred by the developer.
According to the gazette, a maximum area of 120,000 square feet, including the island's reefs, had been opened for development. The project was meant to provide entertainment activities and facilities to the public.
The area that was to be leased for commercial use is used by residents of Malé and Vilimalé regularly for recreational purposes such as picnics, diving, snorkeling, and water sports. Therefore, the announcement was met with uproar from locals.
An environmentalist in Villimalé told Mihaaru that many families already use the beach area every day and on weekends for picnics. They said if this area were developed for water sports, many people would face problems.
Sign In