Former Commissioner of Customs Yoosuf Maaniu has been appointed to head the "Greater Male' Transport and Mobility Office," a temporary body established with special powers to resolve the traffic crisis in the capital region.
While the government has yet to make an official announcement, Maaniu confirmed his appointment when contacted by Adhadhu.
Established under the new Land Transport Act, the office is mandated to oversee land transport in Male', Villimale', and Hulhumale'. Its authority and responsibility include introducing a quota system for vehicle registration in the Greater Male' area. Under this system, vehicles can only be registered if a quota is available.
The law also sets a limit on vehicle registrations in the capital region. According to the regulations, the number of new registrations must not exceed 30 percent of the total number of vehicles decommissioned or scrapped.
Responsibilities of the Greater Male' Transport Office:
- Formulating policies to resolve traffic and congestion issues.
- Planning and developing road infrastructure.
- Determining vehicle registration quotas for the Greater Male' area.
- Ensuring new registrations do not exceed 30 percent of scrapped vehicles.
- Establishing specialized parking systems and standards.
- Providing bus services for school students.
- Establishing an automated vehicle inspection system.
- Developing a Mobility Reform Plan.
Furthermore, the office is tasked with drafting a Mobility Reform Plan. This plan must account for the current population and projected growth of Male' when planning infrastructure. It must also include provisions for restructuring roads and alleys where necessary.
Under the Act, the Mobility Office is required to determine the maximum number of vehicles that can be registered in the Greater Male' area. This limit must be established within six months of the law coming into effect.
One of the most significant additions to the new Land Transport Act is a "sunset chapter" for the Greater Male' region. The provisions under this chapter will remain in effect for a maximum period of three years.
