Housing Ministry takes over Artificial Beach and Sultan Park

Housing Ministry has said that Artificial Beach and Sultan Park, previously under City Council, have been brought under Housing Ministry.

Housing Minister Dr Mohamed Muiz said that this was finalised last week, and that City Council had been notified of this decision.

He said that Artificial Beach was handed over to Housing Ministry following requests by several parties to commence economic and social activities in that area. Sultan Park was taken over because the area is associated with national security.

“We have informed City Council that Artificial Beach and Sultan Park have been removed from City Council’s registry, to allow the commencement of political and social activities there, as requested by several groups. And Sultan park, because it has national security significance,” he said.

He added that City Council still has the responsibility to monitor and clean these areas.

“Only the development and investment rights of these places were removed from City Council. City Council is still obligated to provide the municipal services. They are required by law to monitor different areas in Male’,” he said.

City Council Mayor Maizan Ali Manik (Maizan Alibe) said that City Council had been informed of this decision, however does not accept it.

“We were informed last week that Artificial Beach and Sultan Park were transferred to Housing Ministry. We don’t accept that this can be done in this manner. Those areas are still under City Council,” he said.

When the City Council was formed, 32 land plots were transferred from Housing Ministry to City Council.