Dh. Hulhudheli residents express concerns over rising cost of living, shortages of essential medicines, and stagnation of projects

Residents of Dh. Hulhudheli have expressed deep concern over the rising cost of living, shortages of essential medicines, and the stagnation of ongoing development projects on the island.

Every citizen interviewed on RaajjeTV’s "Haalu Kihineh?" program shared these pressing concerns. One elderly resident noted that general living conditions have deteriorated, stating that current income is no longer sufficient to cover basic necessities. He remarked that the cost of goods has skyrocketed to an unbearable level.

At the same time, he shared the difficulties currently faced in obtaining medication. He noted that the state-owned pharmaceutical company is dispensing lower doses than prescribed. As a result, he highlighted that he now has to source the medication from India.

I witnessed the latter part of Nasir’s presidency, and I saw Maumoon’s thirty-year rule. I saw Anni and Waheed—though they were two different people with differing views, they essentially shared one term. I saw Yameen’s presidency, and I saw Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s. Yet, in all my life, I have never seen a leader as wicked and tyrannical as the one we have now; this country has never experienced anything like it. Even when Yameen committed theft, the public remained unaware because it didn't affect our ability to eat, drink, or live comfortably. We didn't feel the burden. Even during the height of the major COVID-19 pandemic, people only heard the word "COVID"—no one actually suffered from any real deprivation or hardship.

A resident of Dhaalu Atoll Hulhudheli

Another resident of Hulhudheli stated that the current dire situation is a direct result of corruption and theft. Residents have also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating condition of the island's roads. Furthermore, a local resident reported that although the current administration initiated seven projects in Hulhudheli, all of them had come to a standstill. It was only after a two-year delay that work finally resumed on two of those projects.

Furthermore, the residents of Hulhudheli have also expressed their concerns regarding the decision to allocate 500 hectares of land from Rasmalé to a foreign entity.

What is happening with the Ras Malé project is that the Maldives is offering a massive plot of land for commercial use, free of charge, for 99 years to entities that support Israel—despite those entities not having the necessary funds. Without paying a single cent, they are taking this land to financiers to secure backing. This creates a 50 percent business stake, which they then pitch to others. Consequently, there is no way to escape this situation.

A resident of Dhaalu Atoll Hulhudheli

A fisherman from Hulhudheli has also shared his concerns, stating that the most significant challenge currently facing them is the shortage of ice. He noted that the unavailability of ice is due to a lack of diesel fuel at the ice plants.

The next issue is the ice shortage, which has become a significant crisis for us. We are unable to source ice from Faafu Nilandhoo or Dhaalu Meedhoo, despite these being locations where government-operated ice plants are established. Ice is unavailable in Nilandhoo, Meedhoo, and Bandidhoo, as well as in Vanee and Hirilandhoo. These are all locations where ice plants are physically situated.

A resident of Dhaalu Atoll Hulhudheli

Every resident of Dh. Hulhudheli who spoke out has accused President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of dishonesty. Furthermore, the people of Hulhudheli asserted that President Muizzu will not secure a second term in office.