The issue of cargo vessels using the area designated for fishing boats at the Male' City main port has become a major problem.
Captains of fishing vessels operating in the Male' area and those arriving at the Male' City port from the atolls stated that although the City Council has designated a specific area for fishing boats, neither the City Council nor any other relevant government institution is monitoring whether the area is being appropriately utilized by fishing boats. The captains added that due to the area being left unmonitored in an irresponsible manner, supply dhonis carrying cargo are taking undue advantage and using the space for their own purposes. As a result, captains noted that when returning from fishing, they often cannot find space to dock in that area.
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Abdulla Rashid (Addu Keyolhu), a captain from Male' City, said the nuisance caused by supply dhonis has worsened, and the issue has been brought to the attention of the Male' City Mayor. However, Addu Keyolhu stated that no adequate solution has been provided so far, causing numerous difficulties for fishing vessels.
"If an area is designated for a specific purpose, the City Council must actually monitor whether it is functioning that way. That is Mayor Azim's responsibility. Just putting up a board is not enough. When we submit complaints, the least they could do is come and check the place. Neither the Fisheries Minister nor the Ministry pays any attention to this. Supply dhonis come and dock in that area and use it however they please. This place should not be left to be used arbitrarily. This is an area designated for fishermen. This place must remain available for us to use at all times," said Addu Keyolhu.
Regarding this issue, the Captains' Lobby stated that since the Male' area is where fishing vessels operate the most, the City Council's failure to maintain the area designated for fishing boats at the main city port, and leaving it unattended, is entirely unacceptable. The Captains' Lobby added that it is unacceptable for the City Council and relevant authorities to ignore the issue even after captains brought it to their attention, expressed concern, and filed complaints. The Captains' Lobby strongly condemned this inaction.
The Captains' Lobby mentioned that following the captains' complaints, representatives from the Lobby called Mayor Adam Azim last month to share their concerns. Since the City Council did not respond positively or regulate the area thereafter, the Lobby stated that the issue has been brought to the attention of President Dr. Muizzu, requesting a resolution.
The Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU) also commented on the issue, stating that the Male' City Council is currently not maintaining the area designated for fishing boats. The BKMU attributed the worsening of this issue to the irresponsibility of the Male' City Council.
"The small area meant for docking after returning from fishing is completely filled with supply dhonis. The Male' City Council has no rules or regulations right now. There is no maintenance of this place. It has completely gotten out of hand. There is no authority monitoring this place," said a captain from the BKMU Exco.
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The captains stated that what they want most now is for the City Council to stop supply dhonis from docking in that area, halt the loading and unloading of cargo there, and arrange it so that fishing vessels can easily dock, depart without any difficulties, and carry out fishing activities at any time. The captains also requested the Fisheries Ministry and the government to work towards bringing a swift solution to this issue.
