Large-scale project to fix Male' City flooding

The government on Thursday has launched a large-scale effort to temporarily fix Male' City's flood issues during rainy season.

Government launched the project with the initiation of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

At the inauguration ceremony held near West Park area, Minister of Defense Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon said President Muizzu was monitoring MNDF's efforts of draining water from the city's streets.

The minister further claimed President Muizzu was actively addressing the challenges faced by officials in their efforts to resolve the flood issues.

Minister Ghassan also said the president has requested to seek a permanent solution for the flood issues in the capital city as well.

"As such, under the direct supervision of President Muizzu, engineers from the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure, MRDC have come up with the plan which has been examined and approved with funds facilitated from the contingency budget. Today, we are launching the efforts with God's grace," Ghassan commented.

Minister of Construction Dr. Abdulla Muththalib said the capital city's flood issue require a temporary solution before the authorities can begin efforts to seek a permanent solution, which is why the government launched the efforts.

The initiative encompasses upgrade of water pumps in Ameenee Magu as well.

The western end of Male' City, especially the venue which formerly housed West Park Cafe', suffers floods the most during rainy season.

The minister further revealed plans to remove a portion of the revetment near the West Park area to develop a drainage trench to allow for water passage. Besides this, trenches will be developed in two other areas.

"With that, additional and larger pumps will be procured by MNDF with the help of government ministries and other companies... we are trying to fix the issue temporarily to provide a quick respite to the public from the damages they face right now," Muththalib said.

The Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar said the government has been working to fix the flood issues in other atolls as well.

He added the state has been listening to public complaints intimately, and remains committed to providing a long-term solution in future.

"We are hopeful flood issues across the Maldives will be solved with road development along with other developmental initiatives under the vision of President Muizzu during his regime," Adam Shareef added.

Road Development Corporation (RDC) is collaborating with MNDF for the initiative.

An RDC official speaking with 'Sun' confirmed the current six-volt desalination pumps will be upgraded to 18 volts.