Male' City Council explores dedicated area for rihaakuru and curry production

Male' City Council has begun research on designating a safe zone for cooking and processing fish, including rihaakuru preparation, chilli grinding and powdered curry production, for commercial purposes in residential areas of Male'.

The matter was submitted for discussion at the 12th Official General Meeting of the Fifth Session of the Male' City Council.

Presenting the issue, Galolhu South Councilor Ismail Haleem said several households in Galolhu have been cooking fish and making rihaakuru for generations. He said the current generation continues the work, but as the area develops and large buildings are constructed, the public is facing serious inconvenience.

Haleem said burning wood and producing smoke in narrow residential alleys is no longer acceptable in today’s urban environment. He added that the workers themselves have asked the council to find an alternative location. He noted that this is a continuation of a family legacy, and instead of eliminating people who contribute to the economy, they should be allowed to work in a way that does not disturb the public.

Speaking on the matter, Mayor Adam Azim said industrial zones have been established in Male', Vilimale' and Hulhumale'. However, the industrial zone in Male' has been taken over by the government, and work in Vilimale' has stopped as the land is being used for the Thilamale' Bridge project. He also noted that Thilafushi is a suitable location for such activities.

The Mayor said operations would proceed more smoothly if these lands were handed over to the City Council. The issue was referred to the Council’s Land Use Plan Committee to determine how these activities can be carried out without causing inconvenience to the public.

Cooking fish, making rihaakuru and preparing curry mixes have been practiced in Male' since ancient times, and many families continue these activities today as a source of income.