HDC asked to clarify timeline for activating Hulhumalé parking systems

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has been asked to clarify when mechanical parking systems installed in Hulhumalé will be made available for public use, following more than seven years of inactivity.

The request was submitted on Thursday by Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

In a letter addressed to HDC, Mohamed Ibrahim noted that 10 mechanical parking systems had been installed across eight locations in Hulhumalé Phase I to address parking shortages. However, he said the facilities have remained unused since their installation, resulting in no public benefit despite the investment made in the project.

According to the letter, the systems have a combined capacity of 300 vehicles. Mohamed Ibrahim stated that if the spaces had been rented at a rate of MVR 100 per day, the state could have generated more than MVR 83 million in revenue between 2019 and the present.

The MP also noted that while several of the structures appear to remain intact, one of the parking systems has been dismantled. Its components are currently stored on a vacant plot opposite the Ocean Front building in Hulhumalé.

In his letter, Mohamed Ibrahim requested clarification on three key issues.

He asked HDC to provide details of any work carried out to repair and prepare the systems for public use, identify the institution responsible for the opportunity costs associated with keeping the facilities idle, and explain whether there are plans to activate the systems, including the operational strategy and timeline for implementation.

The mechanical parking project was launched during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen as part of efforts to address increasing demand for parking in Hulhumalé.

However, the facilities were never brought into operation. Over time, several units deteriorated after being left exposed to the elements.

In 2021, HDC stated that the systems had not been commissioned because the corporation had been unable to settle payments owed to the contractor due to financial constraints.

At the time, HDC said discussions were underway to settle outstanding payments in instalments and that the systems would be completed and commissioned in phases as payments were made.

In 2023, HDC invited expressions of interest from private parties to lease, operate and maintain the parking facilities. Despite that process, the systems remain unused.