President’s ‘fear of black magic’ behind felling of trees and changes to traffic flow
Major changes to traffic flow in central Malé, the uprooting of old trees at the Republic Square and the removal of a monument at the Sultan Park have fuelled speculation that the sudden changes were caused by President Abdulla Yameen’s alleged fear of black magic and sorcery.
10 Aug 2015, 9:00 AM
Major changes to traffic flow in central Malé, the uprooting of old trees at the Republic Square and the removal of a monument at the Sultan Park have fuelled speculation that the sudden changes were caused by President Abdulla Yameen’s alleged fear of black magic and sorcery.
The housing ministry has turned the area encompassing the main mosque, the Islamic Center, and the Sultan Park, into a pedestrian zone. The changes were announced on August 3 and put in place on August 6.
Sections of the thoroughfare Chaandhanee Magu and adjoining Lily Magu, a school zone, are now open to two-way traffic. Concrete dividers have been put in place on Chaandhanee Magu. Pavements have been removed, drains dug up and the walls of the national museum, the Sultan Park and the Kalhuvakaru mosque have been pushed back to enlarge Chaandhaanee Magu and Lily Magu.
Construction is still ongoing.
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