Traffic – A problem more than a convenience
In modern life, in this concrete jungle of a home we call Male’, we have to face many problems. However, one very serious issue that we face today is traffic congestion. Traffic congestion has turned into an everyday affair and an inescapable issue. Not a day goes by without hearing about an accident or seeing people violate traffic rules. It is safe to say now that traffic has become a problem rather than an inconvenience, and upon observing some of the busiest roads in Male’, this statement has become a fact.
Majeedheemagu
Though it may seem absurd given the size of the population in Male’, Male’ is known for its busy streets and awful traffic. Recently, I observed the most famous road in Male’, “Majeedheemagu”, and I could not even last there just for an hour. It seems that from early morning traffic starts building up and crowds of pedestrians, shoppers and others can be seen desperately trying to walk through the narrow pavements which are often blocked by uncountable amounts of parked motorbikes and some can be seen struggling to cross the roads as well. In addition to this, the sound of cars and taxis honking or motorbikes flying past is deafening. Don’t even get me started on traffic jam and safety rules! It seems that people cannot even see the signs in front of them and vehicles may be in for a jam for hours.
Ameeneemage
If you look at Ameeneemagu which is to the left of Majeedheemagu, it is no different. Since this is one of the most common routes to Ghiyasuddin International School as well as other schools nearby, traffic builds up in the morning when students are making their way to school. Later however, it gets calmer and a little more tolerable until 14:00hrs. Then again from 14.20 to 17:00 pm in the afternoon, it is crowded since those are the usual finishing times of students as well as teachers. Furthermore, the traffic rules are not seen as violated most of the time and there are not that many parked vehicles around, either.
Maaveyamagu
Maaveyamagu is quite a narrow road and thus owns to its credit of being one of the root causes of traffic jams in Male’. Due to the road’s narrow walls and size, vehicles cannot pass through easily. As a result of this, the sound of angry drivers honking, and shouting can be heard throughout the day. On top of this, the numerous vehicles parked add to the woes of the pedestrians and they end up having to struggle when walking or getting on vehicles.
In a nutshell, traffic has become an unimaginable tragedy not just in the Maldives but all around the globe. This issue takes thousands of lives every day and ruins many lives as well. Therefore, action should be taken in order to solve this immense problem. This is not something that should be taken lightly. Rather, it needs to be considered as an important issue that needs immediate action.
