President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said delays in the development of Malé Wet Market Complex in Malé City are due to the city council's failure to hand over the land required for the project.

The President made the remarks during the second episode of The Pulse podcast series, where he discussed efforts to strengthen the fisheries sector and the Government's plans to develop a modern fish market in the capital.

The President said that funding for the project was secured through Bank of Maldives and efforts to appoint a contractor were initiated through the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources four months ago. However, he said the project has not progressed because the land required for construction has not been handed over by the city council.

The President said the Government remains committed to completing the project and finding a solution to the issue. He also stated that there is no benefit in obstructing the fulfilment of pledges made to the public.

Despite the delays, President Dr Muizzu said the Government still aims to complete the fish market by next year's Fishermen's Day.

The project to develop the Malé Wet Market Complex was awarded to TrustEng Maldives Private Limited on 15 March. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, several requests have been made to the city council to hand over the land needed for the project.

Valued at MVR 117 million, the project will be carried out on a contractor-financing basis. The six-storey development will cover approximately 85,000 square feet.