MVR 2.5 mn in unpaid bills at locations leased out by Malé City Council

The unpaid electricity and water bills of locations leased out to various parties by Malé City Council amounts to MVR 2.5 million, said the council's Mayor Adam Azim.

In yesterday's council meeting, Azim said the council had leased out locations from both Malé and Villimalé at low prices, highlighting that although rent gets paid, many tenants do not pay the water and electricity bills.

He said the unpaid electricity bills amount to MVR 723,000 in Malé and MVR 172,000 from Villimalé, while the water bills are at MVR 309,000 in Malé and more than MVR 1.3 million in Villimalé.

Noting that these amounts were accumulated over many years, Azim said the utility supply to these places have still not been disconnected.

"This did not happen in one day, but something that happened over a long time," the mayor said.

South Galolhu Councillor Saif Fathih expressed concern over the lack of availability and publishing of the names of those who lease the properties.

"I have told in many ways on multiple occasions, at the floor and in committees, that all the properties leased by this place [the council] is not a big secret. And that the leased amounts, durations and people are not some big state secret. It is something we must publish," Saif said.

He said does not know the lands under the council even after four years as councillor.

Azim said this issue had previously been left aside without care and assured information would be released as it becomes available.

“There are places that have not paid rent for 10 years. They come to extend the lease," Azim said.

He said those who have not paid rent, water and electricity bills are being identified, and that work is underway to remedy the situation, including working with STELCO to find a way to collect the unpaid electricity bills.