Sensors being installed in Male’ to monitor emissions

Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim has announced plans to install a system to monitor emission levels in the Maldivian capital.

In a press conference held on Monday to launch the Male’ Area Integrated Transport Masterplan, Thoriq said monitoring mechanisms will be set up in Male’ City, as well as in suburban Hulhumale’ and Vilimale’.

He said that sensors have already been installed in two areas of Hulhumale’, and that the authorities are currently working on installing them in Male’ City.

“Once this is done, we will be able to pinpoint the high emission areas in Male’ area,” he said.

Thoriq said that most of the toxic gas in the capital is produced by vehicles, making the establishment of a low-emission transport system all the more crucial.

He stressed that vehicle emissions in a congested city such as Male’ poses a health hazard to the tens of thousands of people who live there.

Thoriq said that the government wants to make Male’ a “livable” place, and that their plans include introducing electric buses, cars, motorcycles and bicycles, and reducing gasoline-fueled vehicle.