MP Ghafoor: No Island Development Despite Record Government Budget
5 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހޯމަ 09:17Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa has expressed concern over the lack of development projects in rural islands despite the government exhausting a significant budget. Alleging that large-scale initiatives like Ras Male' are being conducted in secrecy for personal gain, the lawmaker highlighted the country's deteriorating economic situation and the severe challenges currently facing businesses.
Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa delivers his remarks during Monday's sitting of the People's Majlis. | RaajjeMV
Despite the People's Majlis approving an unprecedentedly large budget for the government, Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa has stated that the entire budget is being depleted without any progress on planned projects across the islands.
Speaking at Monday's parliamentary sitting, MP Ghafoor emphasized that national affairs must be conducted with transparency and in a manner that benefits all citizens. He further noted that actions driven by personal gain would not benefit the nation, stressing that governance should be rooted in the love and respect of the people.
Highlighting the hardships faced by the public during the current administration's term, MP Ghafoor stated that despite the approval and expenditure of a 64-billion-rupee budget, no developmental activities are taking place in the islands, and the citizens are seeing no tangible benefits.
Honorable Speaker, the 64-billion-rufiya budget we approved is unprecedented in this nation's history. Yet, despite such a record-breaking allocation, the entire budget is being exhausted while projects across our islands remain at a complete standstill.Abdul Ghafoor Moosa
Referring to the Ras Male' project, MP Ghafoor stated that the government must disclose the details regarding the allocation of a significant portion of the land to Eagle Hills for a 99-year lease. Ghafoor further noted that such matters are being conducted in secrecy and under the table, leading to the belief that these actions are intended for personal gain. He emphasized that this is not something the public will accept.
Furthermore, MP Ghafoor stated that while there is talk of mega-projects, not a single dollar enters the central bank, leaving citizens and entrepreneurs in extreme distress to the point of being forced to shut down their businesses. He further alleged that the government currently lacks both the answers to these issues and the capacity to take necessary action.
MP Ghafoor stated that these actions have effectively dismantled the country's key institutions, including the banks and the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
