Company with family ties to MP Hamad Abdulla, allegedly owes over 1.1 million Rufiyaa in unpaid dues to the City Council
The council stated that a settlement agreement has been reached to recover the outstanding payments over a 12-month installment period, involving two restaurants operated by a company with family ties to the Member of Parliament for the North Fuvahmulah constituency.
Hamad Abdulla, Member of Parliament for the North Fuvahmulah constituency. | People's Majlis | Majilis
It has been revealed that two restaurants operated by a company linked to the family interests of North Fuvahmulah MP Hamad Abdulla have failed to pay over MVR 1.1 million in outstanding rent.
This was revealed through information provided by the Fuvahmulah City Council’s Information Officer, Hussain Nasih, in response to a Right to Information (RTI) request.
Royal Restaurant has an outstanding balance of MVR 575,798.34 for the period spanning June 11, 2022, to June 10, 2028. Additionally, Pebbles owes MVR 593,850.67 for the period from January 28, 2015, through 2030. According to company registration records from the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, a close family member of Hamad is listed as a shareholder of Pebbles by Royal.
The inquiry seeks clarification on whether Pebbles Restaurant, located in the Thundi area of Fuvahmulah City, and Royal Restaurant at the harbor are up to date with their rent payments. It further requests details on the total outstanding amount if payments have not been made regularly, including the specific number of months in arrears. Additionally, the inquiry asks for the expiration dates of the current lease agreements between the City Council and these two establishments.
In response, the Fuvahmulah City Council stated that following discussions regarding the outstanding arrears, a 12-month period has been granted for the payments to be settled. The council further noted that a settlement agreement was signed to facilitate the repayment of the overdue funds within this one-year timeframe. According to the council, the restaurants have been making regular payments in accordance with the agreement reached on September 25, 2024.
A reliable source has informed RaajjeMV that these two restaurants have previously faced issues regarding unpaid electricity bills. Furthermore, concerns have also emerged regarding the non-payment of staff salaries and disputes related to commercial transactions.
