Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has stated that efforts are underway to ensure that the mechanical parking systems can be utilised by the public. The ministry revealed that this initiative is part of the Male' Fahi Programme, launched to address parking issues.
Mechanical parking systems were first established in Hulhumale' in 2017, designated to accommodate four-wheeled vehicles. A total of eight systems, with 225 parking slots, were developed in various locations in Hulhumale' Phase I. However, the public has expressed concern as these systems have not been utilised up to this date.
The systems which were previously under the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) have now been transferred under the transport ministry. The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen previously announced the decision of relocating these systems to Hulhumale' Phase II. He noted that these parking slots will be leased to the public at a very small price.
The transport ministry stated that preparation efforts are currently underway to launch this project, highlighting that this work can be done with the collective efforts of state-owned enterprises. The ministry noted that this initiative will play a pivotal role in addressing parking issues and reduce the number of vehicles parked illegally. It further revealed that the policies and prices related to the mechanical parking systems will be publicised in the near future.
While the government is exerting efforts to initiate the operations of the mechanical parking system, two land plots have been designated as a temporary parking zone. One land plot is situated in Hulhumale' Phase I, while the other is located in Phase II. The land plot in Hulhumale' Phase II is designated for unregistered vehicles or those registered to other zones. The ministry disclosed that over 300 vehicles have been parked in this area. Meanwhile, the land plot in Hulhumale' Phase I is to cater four-wheeled vehicles. Of the 90,000 sqft land, 50,000 sqft is designated for taxi's while the remaining land is allocated for vehicles which are towed after being parked illegally.
The transport ministry stated that these land plots are being utilised to resolve the parking issues and road congestion, and to prevent such vehicle owners from incurring fines.