All successive governments have neglected Gan, basic services still not fully established: Zaki

Former President of the Laamu Gan Council, Ahmed Zaki, has stated that successive governments have neglected the island, leaving essential public services incomplete and failing to meet the needs of its residents.

Speaking on Wednesday's "Fashaairu" program, Zaki noted that Gan possesses the largest land area among Maldivian islands and highlighted that its population continues to grow day by day.

However, essential services required by the public have not been established on the island, leading to an overwhelming number of grievances.

Highlighting significant negligence by successive administrations, Zaki stated that no government has properly looked after Gan, noting that the island still lacks even the most basic essential services.

He noted that water, sanitation, and electricity services are still not being provided adequately, adding that establishing these utilities for newly allocated land plots remains a significant challenge. Zaki stated that some landowners have even had to file court cases to obtain these services, with the court ultimately ruling in their favor. He further remarked that it is deeply regrettable that such matters have to reach the point of litigation.

Historically, successive governments have completely neglected Gan. The residents have long held great aspirations and are eagerly awaiting progress. However, there are currently no opportunities for the existing population, nor is there any room for future growth. What we are witnessing instead is a total stagnation of development.

Ahmed Zaki, former President of the Gan Island Council

Zaki stated that companies responsible for providing essential services to the public lack the necessary capacity, resulting in an inability to carry out operations effectively. He further noted that the island's sewerage system has fallen into disrepair, attributing the failure to a lack of proper maintenance.

Furthermore, Zaki stated that the decentralization system has been dismantled under the current administration, making it increasingly difficult to provide essential services to the public. However, he noted that the council has taken all necessary steps to resolve these issues and has formally submitted the matters to the relevant authorities.