Efforts underway to vacate premises within one month for Male’ Market Complex project

The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources has announced that efforts are underway to relocate vendors to a temporary facility and clear the site for the construction of the new Malé Market Complex within one month.

Speaking to state media outlet PSM about the challenges delaying the commencement of the project, State Minister for Fisheries and Agriculture Mohamed Muthalib said work is currently underway to vacate the site within a month by establishing a temporary market. He added that the former STO building site and Thaisey Koshi are being considered as potential locations for the temporary facility.

The project to develop the Malé Market Complex, which is intended to consolidate all major markets in the commercial area under a single building, was awarded to Trustin Maldives Private Limited in March this year. However, five months after the contract was awarded, physical construction work has yet to commence. Relevant ministries have attributed the delay to the Malé City Council’s failure to formally hand over the required land.

The MVR 126.4 million Market Complex will be constructed on the 15,525-square-foot site currently occupied by the Local Market.

The six-story building will have a total floor area of more than 95,000 square feet. Once completed, the Fish Market, Travelers’ Market, and Local Market will operate under one roof, with a total of 455 stalls. The basement will also provide parking space for 400 motorcycles, while the top floor will feature a food court incorporating café and restaurant facilities.

The government plans to complete the entire project within one year and eight months, with the aim of transforming the market area into a more convenient and efficient space for both service providers and the public.