Mayor Azim Announces Designated Zones for Posters in Male’ City

Mayor Adam Azim of Male' City has announced plans to designate specific locations for poster placements across the city, with a strict ban to be imposed on unauthorised placements elsewhere. The move is part of efforts to maintain cleanliness and protect critical infrastructure, particularly ahead of political campaigns.

Speaking at a STELCO employee-organized event to clean distribution boxes and substations, Azim highlighted the recurring issue of political posters being affixed to STELCO boxes during election campaigns. He expressed concern over the misuse of these boxes, noting that their defacement poses both aesthetic and safety risks. The boxes, especially those housing transformers, are vital infrastructure, and any damage could result in significant public harm.

Azim emphasized that the city council is actively identifying designated areas for poster placement, ensuring that unauthorized posters will no longer be permitted elsewhere in the capital. “We are working on a project to establish specific locations for posters. Afterward, putting up posters outside these areas will be strictly prohibited,” he stated.

He also addressed the issue of STELCO boxes being used as makeshift garbage bins, urging the public to refrain from such behavior. He noted that these practices not only degrade the city's appearance but also set a poor example for children. Azim pledged to collaborate with relevant authorities to implement measures for a cleaner and more organized Male'.

This initiative follows a period during the recent presidential and parliamentary elections when streets were inundated with political posters. Despite deadlines set by the Elections Commission for their removal, many posters remained days after the elections concluded, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.

Azim’s directive aims to strike a balance between allowing freedom of expression and preserving Male' City’s cleanliness and infrastructure integrity. The introduction of dedicated poster zones is expected to bring order to a longstanding challenge while fostering civic responsibility among residents.