Errors found on new street nameplates in Male’

A street in Malé named after a respected figure has been issued a new nameplate carrying a different meaning. The road, ‘Thandiraiyma Goalhi’, appears on the sign with wording that alters its meaning.

Malé City Council has recently replaced street nameplates across the city. Several of the installed signs contain errors in wording and spelling. Some names convey unintended meanings.

“It does not matter what is written,” one social media user stated. Another asked whether checks were carried out before installation.

The nameplates display street names in Dhivehi and Latin script. Some names contain spelling errors in Dhivehi, while others are incorrect in Latin script.

For example, “Rehendhi Higun” appears in Latin as “Rehendhee Hingun”. “Koimalaa Higun” is written as “Koimala Hingun”. In some cases, the Latin script produces different meanings due to changes in consonants.

Historian and former Heritage Ministry analyst Mohamed Najih Didi raised concern after reviewing images of the signs. He stated that such work should involve consultation or review by relevant authorities to ensure accuracy. He said attention is required in matters related to names.

Dhivehi historian Ahmed Alaa said the issue reflects a broader concern regarding identity. He stated that errors are seen in dress and language, and that writing in Thaana is also affected. He called on those in public office to consider the issue.

The project to install the nameplates was awarded to Sasma Pvt Ltd in December last year. The contract value was MVR 3.9 million, with completion scheduled within 20 days.

Concerns have been raised over the execution of the project, with calls for review of the process and outcomes.