Infrastructure Minister Proposes Diverting $9.7 Million Vehicle Fee Revenue to Government

Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib has called for the government to take over the revenue generated from vehicle fees in the Greater Malé region, arguing that the Malé City Council has failed to maintain the capital's road network. Speaking in response to inquiries from Machangolhi Central MP Ahmed Zameer, Dr Muththalib highlighted that the Malé City Council collects approximately $9.73 million annually in vehicle fees from Malé and Hulhumalé. Despite this significant revenue stream, the Minister asserted that the council is not conducting adequate road construction or essential repair work. While the responsibility for road development is currently assigned to the council, Dr Muththalib pointed out a critical gap in capacity. He noted that when the government grants permission for road cuts to facilitate utility work, the council often lacks the technical ability or resources to restore the damaged sections to their original state. To address these shortcomings, the Ministry has previously provided the council with standard guidelines detailing the correct procedures for cutting and repairing roads. However, the Minister expressed frustration that the council has not developed the capacity to produce or lay asphalt despite the millions of dollars in annual fees. Dr Muththalib questioned the allocation of these funds, stating that the failure to maintain infrastructure suggests a lack of accountability in how the revenue is spent. He argued that the current system is inefficient and that the funds would be better utilized if managed directly by the central government. By transferring the $9.73 million annually to the national budget, the Minister believes the government can ensure that roads are properly developed and maintained, eliminating the current cycle of degradation and inadequate repair in the Greater Malé region.