Current administration halted construction of new Fenaka office building in Hoarafushi and left it to fall into ruin: Waheed

The President of the Hoarafushi Island Council, Mohamed Waheed, has stated that construction of the new Fenaka office building—initiated by the previous MDP administration—has come to a complete standstill since the change in government. Waheed noted that the current administration has abandoned the project, leaving the structure to fall into disrepair.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Haalu Kihineh" program, Waheed stated that the construction of the new Fenaka office building in Hoarafushi was a project initiated and fast-tracked during the previous MDP administration. He further noted that the project was launched following discussions between former Member of Parliament Ahmed Saleem (Salle), the Hoarafushi Council, and Fenaka management. These discussions were held at the request of Fenaka’s local staff to provide them with a modern and adequate office facility.

However, he noted that the project has come to a complete standstill since the change of administration. Waheed further stated that the Hoarafushi Council has officially met with President Muizzu to bring the matter to the government's attention and has formally submitted documentation regarding the issue to the President's Office on two separate occasions.

The current state of the site reflects exactly where the work stood when the previous term ended. To be clear, no further progress has been made since then. The Hoarafushi Council has officially met with the President regarding this matter. During that meeting, we shared details of all unfinished projects that are currently deteriorating. Furthermore, we have formally written to the President’s Office on at least two occasions to draw their urgent attention to these issues. At this point, we are uncertain about the future of this site. It has been left to fall into ruin, and there are currently no arrangements in place to even maintain or clean the premises.

Mohamed Waheed, President of the Ha. Hoarafushi Island Council

During the previous MDP administration, numerous development projects were successfully carried out in Hoarafushi. Key achievements include the development of the Hoarafushi Airport, the modernization of the island's roads with asphalt paving, and the establishment of an ice plant. Other notable projects include the Juvenile Justice building, a volleyball court, a football stadium, a new court building, a preschool, three parks, and a ferry terminal. Additionally, significant coastal protection work was completed, which involved the creation of three small reclaimed islands using geo-bags.

Numerous projects in Hoarafushi, which had been progressing rapidly under the previous MDP administration, have stalled since the current government took office. Among these are the glass-bottle water bottling plant, which was nearing completion at the end of the last term, the new council office building, and the construction of the new hospital in Hoarafushi.

Council President Waheed highlighted that the suspension of these projects has caused significant hardships for the residents of Hoarafushi. The community has called upon the government to resume and expedite the implementation of these initiatives.