Minister of Defence and National Service Hassan Rasheed says ongoing road development projects in Male' will make it easier to respond to fire incidents once the projects are completed.
Speaking at Public Service Media's Ahaa Forum , Minister Hassan said the defence forces are giving special attention to the work required to protect Male' from fire incidents. He noted that significant efforts are being made to respond quickly to fires and extinguish them as soon as possible.
However, the Minister said existing arrangements in some areas make firefighting operations more difficult, adding that these issues would be addressed through ongoing development projects.
The Minister said fire incidents are increasing, with one of the main contributing factors being the need for people to live in small and confined spaces. He noted that electrical wiring in such areas is often not properly installed, which can contribute to fires.
He also identified the use of low-quality gas regulators as another challenge that can contribute to fire incidents. In addition, the Minister said awareness programmes targeting the public are being conducted to reduce the number of fires.
The Government is currently prioritising the development of roads in Male' and is carrying out several major projects. As part of these efforts, a large section of Boduthakurufaanu Magu has already been widened and upgraded to modern standards, while further phases of the project have been planned.
Preparations are also under way to begin a road development project covering Male' and Vilimale' with assistance from the Government of China. The Government has said that once these roads are completed, firefighting arrangements and emergency response in the capital will also be improved.