Villimale market stall agreements extended for 3 months
Lease agreements for the market stalls expired at the end of April.
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The Malé City Council has approved a three-month extension of lease agreements for stalls at the Villimale market stall agreements extended for 3 months Market while work is carried out to revise regulations governing the facility.
The decision was taken during the council’s general meeting on Wednesday.
Lease agreements for the market stalls expired at the end of April. However, no decision had been made on their renewal as the council was unable to hold meetings for two months due to a lack of quorum.
The matter was placed on the agenda following the recent local council elections, after which the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) secured a majority on the council.
During the meeting, Mayor Adam Azim said the previous practice had been to renew agreements for one year for tenants who had consistently paid rent.
Councillors, however, raised concerns about the operation and management of the market stalls. Members proposed the introduction of new regulations and a fresh application process to address issues identified within the market.
The council subsequently approved the following measures:
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Existing lease agreements will remain in force for a further three months.
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Applications for all market stalls will be reopened after the extension period.
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New lease agreements, pricing structures and operational regulations will be introduced before the stalls are re-advertised.
Villimale councillor Ibrahim Samah told the meeting that several stalls were not being used in accordance with their lease agreements.
According to Samah:
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The market contains 20 stalls.
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Nine stalls have been subleased to third parties.
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Two stalls are leased but not in use.
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Four stalls are vacant.
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Five stalls are being operated by residents of Villingili.
Councillors said the review would provide an opportunity to address these issues and establish a new framework for managing the market.
The council is expected to develop the revised regulations and application process during the three-month extension period before reopening the stalls for allocation.
