In a glaring display of negligence, the Malé City Council has allowed two of the city’s cherished public spaces, Rasfannu Beach and Sultan Park, to deteriorate over the past eight months. This inaction persisted until President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu publicly denounced the sorry state of these areas, prompting a belated response from the council.
President Muizzu, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and their youngest child, visited Rasfannu Beach on February 14, 2025. During the visit, he engaged with local residents and later expressed his dismay on social media, describing the conditions of Rasfannu and Sultan Park as “saddening.” He pledged that his administration would undertake special efforts to restore these vital communal spaces to their former glory.
Remarkably, it was only after this public admonition that the Malé City Council announced a search for contractors to renovate Sultan Park. The council’s sudden call for bids, with a tight clarification deadline of February 18 and submission by February 24, raises questions about their prior commitment to maintaining these public areas. Notably, the council had closed Sultan Park for renovations eight months ago but failed to initiate any tangible work or even seek contractors during that period.
The council’s announcement specifies that only Maldivian entities—companies, partnerships, local investors, and those with business permits—are eligible to participate in the bidding process. This move, while promoting local involvement, does little to excuse the prolonged neglect and sudden urgency following presidential criticism.
Residents have long voiced concerns over the deteriorating conditions of these public spaces. Under President Muizzu’s tenure as mayor, parks and public areas were well-maintained, serving as essential retreats for the city’s inhabitants. The current council’s failure to uphold these standards not only diminishes the quality of urban life but also reflects a troubling disregard for community welfare.
The sequence of events suggests that the Malé City Council’s actions are reactive rather than proactive, undermining public trust in their stewardship of communal resources. As the city awaits the promised renovations, citizens are left questioning why it took presidential intervention to spur the council into action.
