Transport Ministry and HDC sign agreement to develop 4,000 parking slots

The Transport Ministry and the Housing Development Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Thursday to develop 15 parking buildings, which will create 4,000 parking slots in Hulhumale’.

The agreement was signed by Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen and HDC’s Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed on Thursday morning.

Speaking to reporters after the signing ceremony, Ameen described the project as the “one of the biggest and most important” decisions taken by the government to address traffic congestion – which he said was one of the biggest issues facing the populous Maldivian capital.

He said the project will provide a significant solution to the lack of parking space.

Ameen said the sale of these parking slots will be permanent, and can be used as a garage for vehicle registration.

“Vehicles can be registered in these buildings in accordance with the law. Garage letters is a huge issue. This will provide a significant solution for that too. A garage letter can be taken for the slot,” he said.

HDC’s MD Fazul said the 15 parking buildings will be developed in two phases. He said the HDC was working on hiring a contractor before the end of this year, and hopes to finish developing seven parking buildings within one year.

According to Fazul, the buildings will have 3,920 car parking slots and 3,426 motorcycle parking slots. He said that 90 percent of the slots will be sold at auction, while 10 percent will be designated for visitor parking. The buildings will also have designated parking slots for people with disabilities.

He added that the space will be leased from the parking buildings for commercial use.

“The buildings will be powered with solar, and parking services will be automated. There will be one floor for commercial use, for cafes, restaurants and other businesses. It will also have a 24/7 surveillance system,” he said.