Malé mayor says flooding measures showing results

Malé Mayor Adam Azim said on Monday that work carried out to address flooding in the city’s streets has produced results despite criticism.

Speaking about work completed since he assumed office two years ago, Azim said more than 400 roads and streets in Malé and Vilimalé have been repaired.

He also said that more than 40,000 drainage canals have been cleared during the same period.

Azim, who is seeking a second term in the council elections scheduled for 4 April, said some people have criticised the work being carried out.

“They are ridiculing me for working,” Azim said.

He said the criticism is linked to the fact that drainage cleaning and other related work is now being carried out regularly.

Azim, who was elected mayor in a by-election two years ago, said that when he took office the city relied on smaller pumps to remove water from flooded areas.

He said the council has since introduced pumps with higher capacity to assist with drainage.

According to the mayor, the change has helped reduce the impact of flooding in several areas.

Azim said shops and cafés that previously closed due to flooding are now able to remain open.

He also said flooding had affected households in the past, forcing families to stay awake at night to deal with water entering their homes.

Azim said the reduction in flooding has also reduced the need for police and military personnel to remain on standby during heavy rainfall.

He said the work carried out over the past two years shows that the flooding problem can be addressed through sustained efforts.