Malé City Council has announced plans to begin renovation work on Rasfannu Beach and Sultan Park following concerns raised about their deteriorating conditions.

The announcement came after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu expressed his disappointment on Twitter regarding the state of both locations. He emphasized his commitment to restoring their beauty, noting that these public spaces were initially developed during his tenure as mayor to provide much-needed recreational areas for the people of Malé.

Regarding Sultan Park, the city council stated that a special study was conducted to assess its condition. The park, which opened in 2016, has not undergone any renovations since its inauguration. The council pointed out that none of the facilities are currently usable. A contractor has already been announced to carry out the renovation work.

As for Rasfannu Beach, the council confirmed that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had issued the necessary environmental permits to replenish the sand. Renovation work is scheduled to begin next week.

The council also addressed issues related to the management of Rasfannu. Although the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) was previously awarded the contract for its maintenance, the agreement was canceled due to poor performance. Reports indicate that renovation work was delayed due to disputes between the council and MTCC. The city council clarified that while it is responsible for maintaining parks and public squares, Rasfannu’s upkeep had been handed over to MTCC, with the company’s kiosk operating in exchange for maintenance.

However, the council now finds itself needing to undertake infrastructure work at Rasfannu instead of simple repairs, which requires a budget it currently does not have. At the height of the issue, MTCC had reportedly requested permission to repair various facilities, including huts, the barbecue area, and the fishing zone, due to their poor condition.

President Muizzu visited Rasfannu in the morning before making his post about its current state. The city council has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the renovation process despite financial and administrative challenges.