The question we must ask the PNC today is why, despite such a massive budget, no actual work is being seen: Fuvahmulah City Mayor
Fuvahmulah City Mayor Ismail Rafeeq stated that the lack of clarity regarding budget details has hindered city councils from holding the government accountable for development projects. Alleging that the current administration has failed to pursue local development despite stable state revenues, he characterized the upcoming council elections as a critical opportunity for citizens to reject the government's policies.
Fuvahmulah City Mayor Ismail Rafeeq addresses the MDP's "Heyvalla Thayyaaru" rally held in Fuvahmulah. | Screen Image | Screen image
Fuvahmulah City Mayor Ismail Rafeeq has stated that the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) must be questioned as to why the government's efforts remain invisible despite the substantial budget it has formulated.
Speaking at the MDP's "Heyvalla Thayyaaru" rally held in Fuvahmulah on Monday night, the Mayor stated that under previous administrations, the government's approved budget clearly outlined the specific projects and allocations designated for individual cities and islands. However, he noted that this has changed since the current administration took office. The Mayor highlighted that even local councils are now left in the dark, unable to access details regarding the specific initiatives or funds allocated to their respective islands or cities.
The Mayor stated that the lack of detailed information regarding the government-allocated budget remains a significant obstacle to questioning and clarifying the administration's development plans for the city. He further asserted that the current administration has failed to deliver any meaningful progress for Fuvahmulah since 2023. Consequently, he urged citizens to view the upcoming local council elections as an opportunity to hold the government accountable for its perceived failures. He also emphasized that the development sought by the people can only be achieved by electing an MDP-led council in the forthcoming elections.
"This is an opportunity to declare that we do not accept the government's unprincipled policies. It is a chance to voice our disapproval of these actions. People do tell lies, but I have never seen anything of this magnitude. They have practically written an entire book of lies," he said.
Furthermore, the Mayor highlighted that development projects in the Maldives continued despite the significant challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the country's revenue has not declined compared to previous years. Consequently, the Mayor questioned why development projects have now come to a standstill. Mayor Ismail further asserted that the current administration lacks the sincerity required to effectively serve the public.
