Malé City Council to Collect Data on Persons Requiring Special Assistance

The Malé City Council has decided to begin collecting information on persons requiring special assistance living in the Malé area. The decision was made at the council's general meeting today, where it was proposed to go into specific sectors to gather such information in order to formulate plans to improve living standards, arrange for easier access to services, and make the city safe and inclusive for everyone. Speaking at the meeting, Ahmed Qaliib, Member of the Hulhumalé South constituency, stressed the importance of having this information at the City Council and urged that it be done as quickly as possible. He noted that his constituency has a large number of social housing flats, and due to the lack of lifts in these buildings, persons requiring special assistance face difficulties entering and exiting their homes. He highlighted that some live on the third floor and find it hard to come down even in urgent situations, expressing hope that collecting information would lead to solutions. Aishath Hana, Member of the Maafannu Middle constituency, said having information on such persons in all constituencies would make it easier to provide assistance when needed. She pointed out that some elderly people struggle to obtain services online and would benefit from assistance through intermediaries such as ENSPA. "Not everyone knows how to do things via phone or through an application. Going to those places is a difficulty for them. Therefore, if we have this kind of information, we can know what assistance we can provide to them," she said. Fatima Zahiyya (Zaiya), Member of the Hulhumalé North constituency, said her constituency also has a large number of persons requiring special assistance, and noted difficulties in evacuating them during issues like electricity outages in flat areas. She also mentioned complaints about difficulties faced by elderly people and persons requiring special assistance due to the closure of the mosque in the Hiyaa Park area. The Council has referred the matter to the Social Services Committee, which will present a plan on how to proceed at the next meeting.