Government must take responsibility for waste management at 'Gedhoruveriya' flats: Former MP Ibrahim Rasheed

Former Member of Parliament for Central Maafannu constituency, Ibrahim Rasheed, has stated that the current administration must take responsibility for waste management and cleaning at the "Gedhoruveriya" flats, asserting that the Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) must be held accountable.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Ibrahim Rasheed expressed deep concern over the neglect of the "Gedhoruveriya" flats constructed during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration. He stated that the projects have been sidelined without any proper management or oversight. He further noted that no adequate arrangements have been established to facilitate the process, highlighting that the government has failed to take any action that would ease the burden on the public.

Ibrahim Rasheed stated that the FDC cannot evade its responsibility by claiming that waste disposal is the sole obligation of flat owners. He emphasized that when families relocate to a new residential area, the corporation must establish a convenient system for waste management. He further remarked that those moving into the "Gedhoruveriya" flats are permanent residents, not tourists.

Noting that many families moving into these flats do so after living in extreme hardship, Ibrahim Rasheed stated that they are being charged exorbitant fees for waste disposal. He emphasized that these families have far more pressing needs for those funds than paying for trash collection. Furthermore, he criticized the current administration, stating that it remains out of touch with the struggles of the people.

Waste disposal is being charged at an exorbitant rate. In reality, this administration is out of touch with the struggles of the people and remains oblivious to their issues. Currently, residents have moved into all but 200 of the 4,000 flats under the Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation. That accounts for 3,800 families. Imagine lining up 2,300 families from one end of the bridge to the other. Consider the visual of 3,000 families stretching from the Male' bridge to Hulhumale' Phase 2. These 3,000 families are moving in; they are migrating. Many who were living in dire conditions, unable to afford rent or find housing, are relocating with nothing but their mattresses and basic kitchenware. They are moving like refugees. If the state had a pulse or any empathy for the citizens, a disaster management mechanism would have been in place. The people moving there are not in a position to afford waste disposal fees. Most are living hand-to-mouth. It is the responsibility of a government to assist them and facilitate the transport of their belongings.

Ibrahim Rasheed, the former Member of Parliament for the Central Maafannu constituency.

Referring to FDC and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Ibrahim Rasheed stated that these entities are not working to address the public's concerns. He noted that despite warnings that flat agreements would be terminated if waste is improperly disposed of, such actions cannot be taken, as the flats were constructed using public funds.

Furthermore, Ibrahim Rasheed stated that under an MDP government, all necessary arrangements would be made to ensure convenience for the public. He emphasized that citizens must work towards bringing the MDP back to power and urged voters to support the party's candidates in the upcoming local council elections.