Savaaheli removed from Addu City jurisdiction due to influence from certain Members of Parliament: Nizar

Addu City Mayor Ali Nizar has alleged that the decision to remove Savaaheli from the jurisdiction of Addu City was influenced by the interference of certain members of the People's Majlis.

Speaking at a press conference held by the Addu City Council on Wednesday, Mayor Nizar stated that discussions had been held with several senior government officials regarding the Savaaheli issue. He noted that based on these consultations, he had received information suggesting that President Muizzu’s decision to remove the island from Addu City’s jurisdiction was influenced by certain members of Parliament. Nizar added that this was further confirmed by the rhetoric used by those MPs, who have leveled accusations against the Council, alleging that it has been seeking undue advantages.

Nizar stated that the allegations being leveled against the council are serious and that such claims will be thoroughly investigated. He further noted that when accusations are made against a group, the basis and nature of those allegations must be clearly established. Nizar also expressed that the government's handling of the Savaaheli transaction was unacceptable, emphasizing that shaping development projects in a manner that obstructs local councils is not the right approach. Consequently, he called for a review of the matter and urged for the island to be reinstated under the jurisdiction of Addu City.

Nizar stated that there is no hope of this administration undertaking any development for Savaaheli, asserting that the government lacks the capability to do so. However, he provided assurances that if Savaaheli were brought under the jurisdiction of the Addu City Council, the council would ensure the island's development.

There is no hope that any development will be carried out at Savaaheli, nor is the government capable of doing so. I provide a 100 percent guarantee to the citizens that if the site is brought back under the jurisdiction of the Addu City Council, we will ensure its development.

Ali Nizar

Expressing dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the Savaaheli matter, Nizar stated that President Muizzu issued the decree removing the island from Addu City’s jurisdiction while he was "already in bed for the night." Nizar emphasized that communications between two state institutions must be conducted through official channels, noting that while the council is tasked with implementing government directives, there must be prior consultation between both parties.

The removal of Savaaheli from the jurisdiction of Addu City comes at a time when the Addu City Council had already opened a bidding process to find a developer to transform the island into an entertainment and recreation facility. Although President Muizzu’s decree stated that the decision to remove the island from the city's jurisdiction was to utilize it for tourism purposes, the document did not provide any further details regarding the plan. Residents of Addu City have expressed widespread discontent over the issue. Critics argue that the government’s actions are a deliberate attempt to obstruct the development of Addu City.