MDP strongly condemns mass layoffs at Hoarafushi Bottling Plant

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has strongly condemned the dismissal of a large number of employees from the bottling plant being established in Hoarafushi island of Haa Alif atoll.

In a statement released on Wednesday night, the main opposition party revealed that they condemn in the strongest terms the dismissal of numerous employees from the bottling plant, which is being established under the Indian government's High Impact Community Development Projects to bottle water in glass bottles in Hoarafushi.

The statement mentioned that the plant is being established as a joint venture between the Hoarafushi Council and Fenaka Corporation, and the Hoarafushi Council had stated that the plant would be operational by July.

However, the statement expressed concern that the work on the plant has been halted, contrary to the assurances given by Fenaka Corporation.

Further, the statement goes on to read that such projects bring life to the economies of the islands and create job opportunities for several individuals. MDP’s statement reads that halting the project and dismissing employees before it begins operations in July is a great disservice by the current administration to the people of Hoarafushi. It also stated that this is evidence of the government obstructing the efforts of councils to generate economic benefits.

The statement said that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's government is halting projects and dismissing many employees for political purposes, causing many families to fall into hardship.

The main opposition party has also called for the work on the Hoarafushi bottling plant not to be halted and for the reinstatement of all employees who were unlawfully dismissed from their jobs.