Malé City Council to Renovate Rasfannu Beach and Sultan Park

The Malé City Council has announced plans to begin the renovation of Rasfannu Beach and Sultan Park following concerns about their deteriorating conditions. The announcement came after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu expressed his disappointment over the state of these popular locations and vowed to restore their beauty.

Sultan Park, which opened in 2016, has not undergone any renovations since its establishment. The city council stated that they had conducted a special study to assess the park's condition and found that most of its facilities are now unusable. In response, the council has called for a contractor to handle the park’s renovation.

Meanwhile, Rasfannu Beach will also receive attention, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) already granting the necessary environmental permits to replenish the sand. Renovation work is expected to begin next week. The council also pointed out that the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), initially awarded the contract to manage the beach, had its contract canceled due to poor performance. Despite this setback, the council remains committed to continuing the renovation work at Rasfannu.

President Muizzu, who previously developed these areas during his tenure as mayor, emphasized their importance as peaceful getaways for the residents of the crowded city of Malé. During a recent visit to Rasfannu, he shared his concerns on social media regarding the beach's current state.

The delays in the renovation were attributed to disputes between the city council and MTCC, which had been tasked with maintaining the park. The council noted that although it holds responsibility for maintaining parks and squares, Rasfannu’s protection had been handed over to MTCC in exchange for managing a kiosk on the site. The city council has acknowledged the need for infrastructure work but cited budget constraints as a challenge.

As renovation plans progress, Malé City Council remains focused on restoring these essential spaces for the enjoyment of the city’s residents.