Mauroof Jameel, who recently announced his intention to retire from the post of Managing Director at Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has said that even at the time of joining, he did not intend to stay in the post for a long period. Rather, he had made the decision based on having certain goals he wished to achieve within the corporation, he said.
Speaking on State TV PSM's Raajje Miadhu program, Mauroof stated that over the past six months, he has accomplished most of the objectives he set for his role.
Mauroof said that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had offered him the position at a time when he had already made plans for retirement.
"The President gave me this extraordinary offer at a time when I was, in effect, in semi-retirement. I am a person who worked on the development of Hulhumale' even 24 years ago. When asked if I would accept HDC MD's position after these 24 years, I responded that this is a very unique opportunity, so I must not decline. That is the first thought I had," Mauroof said.
Mauroof said that even when he had taken up the position, he was aware that considering his age, he could not serve for a long period. However, as he was eager to contribute to the work, he accepted the position.
"Even when I took on the role, I did not have interest in holding the position for too long. Although for a short period, I was very eager to work within this, so I accepted the position. The objective was, even near retirement, to achieve the target in these six months," he said.
"For example, the land use plan. Improving HDC's operations. I had goals like these. Most of it has been achieved now. So, considering my age, I believe it is the right decision to retire."
Although he is giving up the position, Mauroof assured that he would not be entirely moving away from HDC. Mauroof, who has earlier served as Construction Minister as well, said that he holds interest in working in an advisory capacity with HDC even after retiring on August 18.
"My intention is to stay on in an advisory role. Even though I am retiring from the position, my intention is to work on Hulhumale', HDC, that field. I do want to contribute to development as well in my professional field. I am not entirely stopping," he said.
Mauroof also responded to a question from the presenter where he was asked if he was retiring due to pressures faced in the job.
"There is a lot of pressure when in this post. Work load, scale of operation, these alone are significant pressures. When in a post like this, there will inevitably be all sorts of pressure. It comes with the post," he responded.
Mauroof was appointed to the position of Managing Director at HDC on December 22 last year, following the resignation of then MD Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed who was faced with allegations of corruption.
