Dh. Kudahuvadhoo residents face deteriorating living conditions: Complaints rise over soaring costs and lack of essential services!

Residents of Dhaalu Kudahuvadhoo have expressed deep concern over the skyrocketing cost of living and the lack of essential services in newly populated areas, alongside significant delays and halts to the island's development projects.

Many citizens interviewed on RaajjeTV’s "Haalu Kihineh?" program have raised significant concerns regarding the quality of healthcare services, the rising cost of electricity bills, and the persistent challenges facing the transportation sector.

Aisha, speaking on the current situation of the island, noted that despite having an airport, high ticket prices and the lack of convenient travel arrangements remain significant challenges.

It is called Manta Airport, yet we are forced to fly with Maldivian or Flyme. We are restricted to traveling only on the specific days and times they dictate. This has become an incredibly difficult situation.

Aisha

Highlighting the lack of progress in the island, Aisha noted that heavy rainfall leads to severe flooding on the streets and inside homes, jokingly adding that residents are practically forced to use canoes to get around. Turning to the state of healthcare, she stated that the island lacks adequate medical services and that even basic essential medicines are frequently unavailable.

"When my younger sister was pregnant, we couldn't even get the necessary medication from this facility. Later, when she required blood tests, we were told we had to transport the samples ourselves in a small container. They told us, 'If you can take this, then take it.' We had to send the blood sample via a boat through a friend, and then personally deliver it to IGMH. This is simply not how these services should be managed."

Aisha

Furthermore, a citizen named Zakiyya noted that her electricity bill, which previously averaged around 1,500 Rufiyaa, has now surged to over 3,000 Rufiyaa. She expressed that the rising cost of food has made daily life increasingly difficult. Additionally, she highlighted the scarcity of essential medicines, stating that there are instances where medication must be sourced from abroad due to local unavailability.

Medicines are unavailable. Zakiyya is currently caring for a heart patient who requires regular medication. Due to the local shortage, the medicine had to be sourced and brought in from India. Despite the claims made by this constituency's Member of Parliament in the Majlis, the necessary medication remains unavailable.

Zakiyya

Ismail, a 70-year-old resident, along with other members of the public, noted that despite government assurances to complete ongoing projects, work on the new hospital and the reclaimed land area has come to a standstill. Another local resident, Vahitte, highlighted that the harbor project remains less than 50 percent complete after more than a year, adding that there is little hope for the housing units to be finished within the promised eight-month timeframe.

In the past, we worked very hard. We used to bake bread, buns, and various short eats. We had two refrigerators and a display chiller running constantly. Even back then, the electricity bills were as high as they are now. I no longer carry out that work. However, the bills I receive today are just as high as they were when I was running all that equipment.

Vahitte

Furthermore, Ismail spoke highly of former President Solih’s administration, offering significant praise for their governance. He noted that despite the challenges of a major pandemic during that term, the public did not face any shortages or difficulties in accessing essential services.

I remember Nasir’s tenure as Prime Minister. I have witnessed many administrations, but I have never encountered a leader quite like this. He is excessively dishonest. He claims he does not lie, but this situation is untenable. A change is necessary for things to improve. It simply won't work; there is no way in this world for him to reform. He would first have to be capable of speaking the truth. The Maldives has never seen a better administration than that of Solih. It is unprecedented in this country. He completed a five-year term leading a coalition of all parties without dismissing anyone. Despite the immense challenges we faced, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, there were never any shortages of essential goods.

Ismail

Moosa, who is currently employed in the construction sector, stated that he left the fishing industry because fishermen were not receiving a fair price for their catch.

Muizzu has done nothing but spread falsehoods since assuming power. He has completely ruined Fishermen's Day and allowed fish prices to plummet, despite his earlier promises to maintain the rate at 25 Rufiyaa. Consequently, with no income left in the industry, I have been forced to seek work ashore in the construction sector.

Moosa

Speaking on the challenges faced in the island's newly developed residential area, residents Ibbe and Nasir highlighted the significant hardships caused by the lack of water, sewerage, and electricity services as they build their homes through bank loans. They noted that construction work currently relies on private generators, and although several houses are now complete, families are unable to move in due to the absence of these essential utilities.