Government councilor unaware of vote to re-outsource preschool despite legal halt

Government Councilor Ibrahim Ahmed has claimed he was unaware of the specifics regarding the council’s decision to tender the operations of the Kulhudhuffushi Play School, despite having voted in favor of the move. The decision follows recent government amendments to the Decentralization Act, which have effectively halted the operations of local authority companies.

Speaking at the official launch of the PNC campaign in Kulhudhuffushi last Friday night, Councilor Ibrahim stated that the council's subsidiary company will be responsible for providing preschool services. He further noted that the process of registering the council-owned company has only recently commenced.

Despite Ibrahim’s remarks during that night’s gathering, the Kulhuduffushi City Council had already finalized preparations to renovate and reopen the preschool in 2025—well before President Muizzu introduced controversial amendments to the Decentralization Act.

However, while he falsely claimed that the delay in opening the preschool was due to constant "changes in plans," he followed this with a startling statement from the podium.

"I am not entirely sure what has happened or why the progress on the play school has come to a standstill."

Councilor Ibrahim.

Despite Ibrahim's assertions, official documents published on the Kulhudhuffushi City Council website reveal that a significant decision was reached during the 232nd general meeting of the council's fourth term, held on Monday, November 24, 2025.

The purpose was to seek a party to provide play school services through a competitive bidding process. Among the six councilors who voted in favor of this decision was Councilor Ibrahim Ahmed.

The councilor is facing widespread criticism from the residents of Kulhudhuffushi following these developments. Many point out that in the 2024 by-election, the majority of the Kulhudhuffushi North constituency elected him to represent the ruling party and drive the city's development. Consequently, residents are describing his "I don't know" stance regarding key council decisions as a highly irresponsible act.

Public sentiment suggests that a government candidate's admission during a major rally—claiming ignorance of a matter they personally voted to decide—highlights a blatant disregard for the city's key development projects. Many citizens now express skepticism over whether PNC candidates, if they were to secure every seat in the upcoming local council elections, would even remain informed about the progress and status of such vital initiatives.