The Male' City Council has decided that the land to develop the Male' Fish Market will only be handed over to the ministry after the council annuls two existing agreements previously made with different companies for the same project.
The City Council had entered into two questionable agreements for the redevelopment of the fish market, with a price discrepancy exceeding MVR 53 million between them. Although attempts were made to investigate the matter during the previous council term, the then-majority People's National Congress (PNC) members blocked the opportunity.
While the Construction Ministry has launched its own project to develop the fish market, it has formally requested the City Council to hand over the land. The ministry said that the project is currently stalled due to the council's failure to provide the site.
"We wish to have all details shared with this council, and to annul the 'Wet Market Project' agreements made with two other parties, ensuring all proceedings are conducted within legal boundaries," the City Council stated in its letter.
Furthermore, the City Council has resolved not to hand over the land unless the ministry shares comprehensive project information. This includes detailed architectural drawings, information on the contracted company, and a copy of the project agreement.
During President Mohamed Muizzu’s tenure as Mayor, an agreement worth USD 6.1 million had been signed and awarded to a contractor for the development of the Male' Fish Market.
However, after Muizzu was elected President and prior to the election of Adam Azim as Mayor, that agreement was terminated and the project was awarded to another party. The value of this subsequent agreement stands at USD 9.5 million. This contract was signed by the council’s Head of Legal Affairs, Ali Naseer Gasim.
