Preparation nears completion - Municipality

Male’ Municipality has revealed that preparations to introduce bus service to Male’ are nearing completion. In this regard Municipality revealed that necessary regulations have been formulated and bus stops have been established. Municipality also revealed that the issue of a land where the buses can be parked has been solved. Further Municipality informed that they should be able to opening the bidding process by the 10 of February 2008.

“Preparations to commence the service are almost complete, in this regard regulations have been finalized, and bus stops established, a suitable parking space has been obtained, we should be able to commence the bidding the by 10 of February “revealed Director General (ADG) of Male Municipality Abdul Hameed Ali.

Male’ Municipality last December revealed that a public transport system is a necessity in Male’ despite many obstacles to establishing such a system.

“Actually providing bus service in Male’ is a difficult task, however with increased taxi fares due to high fuel prices have prompted the government to introduce bus service to ease the difficulties faced with the public” ADG Hameed had said speaking to Maidhu last December.

ADG Hameed of Male’ Municipality speaking to in December of 2007 had said that any one can compete in the bid process.

“Any one can compete in the bidding process, it can be private party or a private company, it can even be MTCC” said Hameed.

ADG Hameed then told Miadhu that regulations concerning bus service have been formulated and bus routes have been finalized too.

“Regarding bus routes we have given priority to stopping at places like Villigili Ferry Terminal and Hulhumale’ Ferry Terminal and near schools” informed Hameed.

Hameed said the busses used will have a capacity of 24 persons and that Municipality is working hard to open the bidding process this year.

Speaking on the difficulties that will be faced with the operation of the buses, ADG Hameed said that the main difficulties are issues related to one way or two way roads. He noted the narrowness of the roads and the road blocks erected due to construction activities as issues as well.

Hameed had highlighted the issues of the one way or two way lanes and had pointed out the present system was not formulated in the best manner.

Many in Male’ believe the introduction of bus service will ease the traffic on the roads and would provide an alternative to the high cost taxi trips.