Mayor Adam Azim stated on Thursday that it is the Male' City Council, rather than the state, that is accountable for addressing the traffic issues in the capital.

Azim's comments follow President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's announcement earlier this week regarding the creation of the Greater Male' Transport and Mobility Office, a new entity set up to tackle increasing traffic congestion in the Male' area.

During a council meeting, Azim mentioned that traffic and parking problems in the city have turned into a significant challenge, and the council is actively seeking solutions. He mentioned that the council is working with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) on current mobility research.

"I believe the government ought to assist us." This is due to our accountability for this. They are not accountable. "Refrain from actions that obstruct us," Azim stated.

The Mayor stated that the council is prepared to collaborate with the state to address traffic problems for the community.

From the meeting between Male' City Mayor Adam Azim and UNESCAP, June 30, 2026. (Photo/Male' City Council)

In April, Mayor Azim met with UNESCAP Transport Division Section Chief Catherine Luger to talk about the project supported by UNESCAP funding.

The council, together with UNESCAP, started gathering data for the Urban Mobility Survey last month, designed to tackle congestion, enhance the transport system, and improve walkability in the city. The research examines the quantity of vehicles, transportation infrastructure, and difficulties present in the existing system.

Twenty employees from the council's Community Engagement Unit went to over 1,000 homes throughout Greater Male', which includes Male', Hulhumale', and Vilimale', for the data collection phase. A meeting with stakeholders to review the findings is set for July 20-21 at Meeruma Hotel.