Mayor Azim highlights urgent need for demolition of dilapidated buildings

Male' City Mayor Adam Azim revealed on Wednesday that a significant number of buildings across all four wards of the capital are in urgent need of demolition due to their deteriorating condition.

The Mayor emphasized the critical safety concerns posed by these structures, especially in light of recent incidents.

Speaking at the 208th official general meeting of the fourth session of the Male' City Council on Tuesday, Mayor Azim underscored that the primary responsibility for repairing these buildings lies with their respective owners. He cited the recent partial collapse of the Salahuddin Building, which resulted in property damage, as a stark reminder of the potential dangers.

Mayor Azim acknowledged the financial constraints faced by the Male' City Council, stating that it lacks the resources to undertake the demolition and clearance of these old buildings. However, he pointed out that current legislation allows private individuals to seek government assistance for such demolitions. He also suggested that after demolition, the land could be retained by the government or held by the contractor until demolition costs are recovered.

Looking towards long-term solutions, Mayor Azim stressed the importance of establishing a 'sinking fund' or insurance scheme from the very beginning of a building's construction. This, he explained, would ensure that funds are available to cover future demolition costs.

"Money is not everything. If lives are lost, it's a big deal," Azim gravely stated, highlighting the paramount importance of public safety.

The Mayor asserted that both the city council and the state bear a crucial role in addressing this pressing urban issue. He reiterated the necessity of enacting a comprehensive law or system to tackle the problem and confirmed discussions with the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works and the Waste Management Company (WAMCO) on the matter.

This issue has gained heightened urgency following a recent incident where a collapsed building in the city caused serious damage to vehicles, further underscoring the need for immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of Male' City residents.