Outdoor gym project stalled despite land allocation, says Waheed
The Hoarafushi Island Council has expressed concern over the government's failure to complete an outdoor gym project despite land being allocated for it a long time ago. In response to the government delays, the Council and the Women's Development Committee collaborated to develop and open a new outdoor gym within just 30 days. The Council President noted that small-scale local development projects could be completed much faster if the responsibility were delegated directly to the island councils.
Work on the government-funded outdoor gym project in HA. Hoarafushi has come to a standstill. | Raajje MV
The President of the Hoarafushi Island Council, Mohamed Waheed, has stated that the government has failed to develop an outdoor gym on the island, despite land being officially allocated for the project.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Haalu Kihineh" program, Waheed stated that maintaining good health is a top priority for the residents of Hoarafushi. He further noted that to support the community's desire for physical exercise and healthy living, the council allocated and finalized a plot of land for an outdoor gym within just six days of the government's initial request.
Speaking from the site designated for the outdoor gym, Waheed noted that the area currently shows signs of work that was halted shortly after it began. He further stated that due to the ongoing delays, the Hoarafushi Council and the Hoarafushi Women's Development Committee have decided to take initiative. Recognizing that the project is unlikely to be completed soon, the Council has resolved to step in and provide the services the community requires.
Following that decision, the outdoor gym currently established at the northern beach area of Hoarafushi was completed within just 30 days through our joint efforts. The Island Council and the Women's Development Committee (WDC) successfully established and opened this facility for public use in a single month. It is frankly embarrassing for the people of Hoarafushi that the central government has been unable to establish an outdoor gym despite many months passing.Mohamed Waheed, President of the Hoarafushi Island Council
Waheed stated that every ongoing project on the island appears to be in the same state. He noted that projects are consistently left in disarray after being initiated, suggesting instead that if smaller projects were handed over to the council, they would ensure their completion.
He further stated that if the outdoor gym had also been handed over to the council, the project would have been completed within 30 days.
