Government did not interfere in Council decisions: Nareesh

Acting Mayor Ahmed Nareesh has stated the council itself made the decision to transfer some of its major projects to the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure. He categorically denied any level of government interference in the council's decision making.

The council, in a recent decision, opted to hand over projects exceeding MVR 100 million to the Construction Ministry. However, a stipulation was set that if the commencement of work does not occur within six months, the projects would revert to the council.

Mayor-elect Adam Azim expressed reservations about the decision, urging a delay in its implementation. Criticism from senior opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) leaders, including Azim, was directed at both the council and the government over this matter.

Despite facing public backlash, Nareesh, who presided over the meeting, asserted that the government had not undermined the council's autonomy through interfering. He emphasized that the decision was reached after thorough presentation, discussion, and support from the majority of the attending council members.

Nareesh made it clear that neither any minister nor the President's Office had attempted to influence or take control of the council's operations.

Projects awarded to the government:

- Commercial building in Villimalé. - Malé Wholesale Center. - Malé Mixed Local Market. - 14 parking buildings. - Malé City Council Office Building. - Villimalé Outdoor Children's Park. - 500 housing units in Villimalé. - Redevelopment project of Sinamalé flats. - Women's Market and Futsal Court in Villimalé - Male' facilities upgrade project

The civic body has also come out with guidelines on the time frame for completion of these projects and how progress will be carried out.

Though Nareesh said otherwise, the council's sudden decision came at a time when opposition candidate Adam Azim has been elected as the mayor of Malé City and arrangements are being made for his swearing-in.

Transfer of the projects to the government was proposed at the council meeting by Mohamed Shahid, who worked on behalf of the council previously. He is currently the Corporate Development Minister at the President's Office. Shahid's proposal was supported by all but one of the 10 councilors who attended the meeting of the ruling PNC/PPM-dominated council. One member abstained from voting.