Development can only be discussed once it is ensured that citizens have access to clean water for their basic needs; Ras Malé should only follow after that: Azim

Male' City Mayor Adam Azim has stated that he has never witnessed an administration as inactive as President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's government. He further emphasized that major development projects like Ras Malé should only be pursued after ensuring that citizens have access to basic necessities, such as clean water for bathing.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "TV Talk" program, Azim stated that the state is indeed receiving revenue. He noted that the budget figures themselves indicate receipts of 50 billion, yet the public is now questioning what has happened to those funds.

The Mayor stated that the primary challenge facing the current administration is a lack of fiscal discipline and a failure to prioritize public spending effectively.

Priority is given first to the President's affairs, followed by the arrangements for the ministers, and then the members of parliament. They claim that dollars are available. Indeed, they are available, just as they say. The issue arises because all the funds being received are being squandered on their own personal expenses. Furthermore, when they speak of a lack of funds, is it not their responsibility to secure those funds if they are missing? It is frankly embarrassing for them to complain about their inability to manage this; it simply shows they do not know how. The only thing they seem to know how to do is waste the public's money. They know nothing else.

Mayor Adam Azim

Azim stated that over the past three years, the country has seen an unprecedented influx of US dollars and record-breaking tax revenues. However, he noted that despite these historic financial gains, he has never witnessed a state administration remain as inactive as the current one.

The Mayor stated that discussions regarding development can only begin once it is ensured that citizens have access to clean water for their basic needs. He noted that this has always been a key sentiment of President Solih, adding that large-scale reclamation projects like Ras Malé should not be pursued until these essential services are provided. Furthermore, the Mayor highlighted that people are already settled in various islands across the country. He warned that spending $200 million on massive new reclamation projects without first securing water and sanitation for existing populations would deplete the nation’s financial resources.