The Japanese government has agreed to provide a grant aid for the construction of a state-of-the-art fish market in the capital Male’ city, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced Sunday.
During a community meeting with residents of Henveiru ward, the President revealed that the project, initially launched during his tenure as Mayor of Male’ City, had been stalled due to various challenges. However, Japan has now stepped in to support the initiative, with a technical team expected to arrive soon to commence work, he revealed.
The new market will be developed as a mixed-use facility, integrating a modern fish market and vegetable market on the site of the existing local market. Additionally, plans include a dedicated office building to accommodate fishing industry companies and associations, streamlining operations under one roof.
He emphasised that the original plan—dating back to former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s administration—would be followed, ensuring the market is built on the previously designated reclaimed land.
To facilitate the permanent development, the government has allocated temporary spaces for the local market, travelers' market, and dried fish market. Once these interim facilities are operational, the seven-floor modern fish market will be constructed, addressing long-standing space constraints.