Food courts need not implement City Council

Housing Ministry has noted that the Male’ City Council has been warning and issuing orders to food courts and other outlets located at the harbour, Artificial Beach and Carnival areas; and said that such orders need not be obeyed unless they are issued by a state authority.

Housing Minister Dr Mohamed Muizzu said today at a press conference held at Housing Ministry that while the ministry had assumed control of these areas last year, City Council has been issuing orders to empty these outlets and threatening to cut their electricity. Dr Muizzu said that these activities by the council are irresponsible and uncivilised.

“We have received information that Male’ City Council has been sending warning notifications to several food courts and other outlets at Carnival area. City council has threatened them and said that electricity will be cut off. The operators of these food courts do not have to empty the premises as ordered by City Council. Food court operators do not have to obey City Council’s ‘insubordinate’ orders,” he said.

Dr Muizzu said that a development plan for the areas in question had been passed by the cabinet and that it had however not been possible to implement this plan because the efforts are obstructed by the City Council.

He said that a suitable notice period will be given to the outlets once the development work begins, and that similar food courts will remain in the area even after the new plan is implemented.

Out of the food courts located at the harbour, Artificial Beach and Carnival areas, Male’ City Council has decided to put up the outlets with expired lease contracts for lease again, and notified them to empty the premises.