Construction of Naivaadhoo Magistrate Court building remains stalled for two years!
The Naivaadhoo Island Council has expressed concern over the Department of Judicial Administration’s (DJA) failure to respond to inquiries regarding the stalled construction of the island’s new court building. The council noted that operating judicial services out of the administrative office is causing significant logistical challenges, while the abandoned construction site has become overgrown with thick vegetation due to the prolonged delay.
Construction work on the new Magistrate Court building in HDh. Naivaadhoo has come to a standstill. | Raajje MV
The Naivaadhoo Island Council has revealed that the construction project for the Haa Dhaalu Atoll Naivaadhoo Magistrate Court building has been at a standstill for two years.
In an interview with RaajjeTV, the council noted that the reasons behind the project's standstill remain unclear to them.
According to the council, the project was initially awarded in November 2023. Although physical work commenced following the change in administration, the project has now been at a standstill for two years.
The council has formally written to the Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) seeking clarification on why the project has come to a standstill. While the council has requested a status update and an explanation for the lack of progress on the project, they noted that no response has been received to date.
The local council has stated that court proceedings are currently being conducted within the council's administrative building. According to the council, the site allocated for the construction of the new courthouse has since become overgrown with vegetation.
The delay in constructing the court building is causing significant difficulties for the local residents. As court proceedings are currently being conducted within the council administrative building, it is also hindering the council's day-to-day operations.
The council is currently awaiting a response to the letter sent to the Department of Judicial Administration. While the public has expressed a strong desire for the project to proceed, the council emphasized that the government must take swift action to move the initiative forward.
