Addu City Mayor Ali Nizar has stated that sewage has remained uncleared for two days in junctions across Hithadhoo district due to the failure of its sewerage system, while employees and officials have been taken to the capital, Malé City to participate in political activities.

Taking to social media platform ‘Facebook’, Nizar reported receiving information that nine flights, including an A330, were scheduled to land in Gan to transport people to Malé City in support of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s two years in office. He said the sewage backlog persists because the purchase order for the rented bowser required to remove it has not been processed.

Nizar added that staff and officials have been sent to Malé while residents are being forced to close roads as they are unable to live with the accumulating sewage. He also shared an image showing a road closure caused by the worsening situation in Addu.

Information has also surfaced that MVR 50 million is being spent to stage a large-scale spectacle for the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) event scheduled for Friday night in Malé.

The spending reportedly includes chartering Maldivian’s largest aircraft, providing free tickets, renting multiple sea vessels, and offering pocket money, meals, and accommodation to bring people from islands across the country.

The government is facing mounting criticism over what many see as wasteful expenditures. With essential services still inadequately provided, Fuvahmulah residents struggling with water shortages and Addu City lacking a permanent solution to its electricity issues, many citizens argue that the government must explain the purpose of such lavish displays instead of leaving these urgent problems unresolved.