The Government has initiated a large-scale effort to clean Malé’s drainage systems as part of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the city’s persistent flooding problems.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works, the six-month operation aims to enhance water flow and minimise the impact of heavy rainfall on residents.

The clean-up officially commenced on March 8 at 9:30 a.m. on Majeedhee Magu, near Luxury Store, where Minister Adam Shareef Umar personally oversaw the progress. Teams were deployed across the city to clear drainage canals and roadways, prioritising flood-prone areas and major roads.

In an interview with local media outlets, the Minister emphasised the urgency of the initiative, highlighting that inadequate drainage infrastructure has exacerbated flooding in recent years. He noted that blocked canals and waste accumulation in streets have hindered proper water absorption, complicating flood management and causing significant disruptions to daily life.

To ensure smooth execution, the Ministry is closely coordinating with local law enforcement to implement necessary traffic diversions. Additionally, safety cones will be placed 24 hours in advance in designated areas to minimise disruptions for commuters.

Flooding has long posed a major challenge in Malé, with past responses relying primarily on emergency interventions, such as manually pumping water from streets. The Maldives Police Service, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), and the Ministry have frequently been mobilised to address severe water accumulation during heavy rains.

Recognising the need for a long-term solution, the Government has contracted a Chinese company to modernise Malé’s road infrastructure, a project aimed at permanently resolving the city’s drainage challenges. This clean-up drive forms a crucial component of a broader urban improvement plan under the direction of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, as part of a wider strategy to enhance urban resilience.

Leading up to the launch, the Minister announced the operation, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to addressing Malé’s flooding issues. He stressed the importance of the effort, acknowledging that recurring flooding has imposed significant hardships on residents.