The Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure has announced that the new Malé Wet Market Complex, planned for the site of the current Malé Local Market, will include 455 kiosks dedicated to the sale of fish, fruits, and vegetables once completed.
The ministry signed the construction agreement for the project yesterday with Trusten Maldives Private Limited, marking a key step toward redeveloping one of the capital’s busiest trade hubs.
According to project details shared by the ministry, the new market will span 95,032.32 square feet and is estimated to cost MVR 1,329.65 per square foot to construct. Once the facility is completed, authorities say it will be fully equipped and ready to begin operations immediately.
The modern complex is designed to consolidate the city’s fish and produce markets into a multi-storey facility aimed at improving hygiene, organization, and accessibility for vendors and customers alike.
Under the plan, the ground floor will serve as the fish market, featuring 110 stainless steel kiosks for vendors. The floor will also include an ice plant capable of producing five tons of ice, ensuring that fish can be stored and sold under better preservation conditions.
The fruit and vegetable market will occupy the first three floors, with 115 kiosks on each level, bringing the total number of produce kiosks to 345.
Parking facilities are also included in the design. The building’s basement level will accommodate parking for more than 400 motorcycles, addressing one of the key congestion issues around the current market area.
In addition to the trading spaces, the project will include a modern food court on the terrace level, creating a new dining area overlooking the city.
The redevelopment project has been awarded to Trusten Maldives Private Limited for a total value of MVR 126,359,594.94, with a completion timeline of one year and six months.
The project forms part of broader efforts to modernize Malé’s commercial infrastructure. Plans to redevelop the aging local market were first proposed during the tenure of President Mohamed Muizzu when he served as Mayor of Malé City, as part of a wider strategy to improve urban facilities and ease congestion in the capital.
Officials say the new wet market complex will provide improved facilities for vendors while creating a more organized and hygienic marketplace for residents and visitors in Malé.
