Zariyand sets 2-year plan to address warehouse risks

Independent mayoral candidate Ismail Zariyand has stated that he will address the issue of chemical warehouses operating in Malé within two years if elected.

He made the remarks on Sunday night at a gathering held at the PNF office, where attendees, including former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, raised questions on policy proposals.

Zariyand said activities such as welding are being carried out in residential areas, including narrow streets in Maafannu, due to the absence of designated locations.

He referred to gaps in implementing provisions of the Decentralisation Act amended in 2019, including the requirement to publish a land registry within 100 days of council formation.

Zariyand said the registry should include details of warehouses and their operations, and that such information should be made available for public access.

He added that industrial activities occupy residential space and require regulation.

“My plan is to relocate these activities. I believe this can be done within two years,” he said.

Zariyand said he will submit a proposal to the Malé City Council to relocate workshops and warehouses.

He also referred to regulations governing warehouse construction, including setback requirements for buildings located on roads measuring 20 feet in width.

He said warehouses operating within retail spaces should be registered with the council.

Zariyand said administrative systems will be introduced to ensure monitoring of such activities.

“After the election, the council will have systems to identify activities across Malé and take action where required,” he said.

Chemical warehouses were relocated to Thilafushi following a fire in 2019. However, reports of storage of such materials in Malé continue to be raised.

The Malé City Council has previously stated that garages, workshops and warehouses would be relocated to an industrial zone.