Malé City Council dissolves bid evaluation committee, forms advisory committee instead

The Malé City Council has officially dissolved its Proposal Bid Evaluation Committee, stating that its formation was against financial regulations. In its place, the Council has decided to form an advisory committee.

The original bid evaluation committee was established in June and included four councilors and the Council’s Secretary General.

During yesterday’s council meeting, Maafannu Hulhangu district councilor Ibrahim Abubakuru pointed out that the City Council does not have the legal authority to form a bid committee. However, he recommended the formation of a Bid Advisory Committee instead.

In response to this, Mayor Adam Azim clarified that the committee’s role was not to prepare bid documents, that responsibility lies with the procurement department, which manages all bidding documentation. He explained that the committee’s purpose was to evaluate the submitted documents, verify information, and review the proposals.

“We're adding an extra layer of screening before it reaches us. Once it does, we look at everything and make our recommendations,” Azim said. “The committee's purpose is to monitor the bidding process and provide evaluations and recommendations,” he added.

However, Machangoalhi Central district member Fathimath Ishan Ali cited the Finance Act, stating that individuals holding political positions, elected officials, or anyone involved in procurement responsibilities within state offices should not serve on a bid committee. She suggested that the committee should instead be termed an Advisory Committee, as the current name and structure were inappropriate.

Galolhu North district member Saif Fathih supported this view, stating that councilors should not be involved in the initial evaluation of bids, as it contravenes the Finance Act.

“It is not the role of elected officials to open and evaluate bids first. That responsibility lies with civil servants,” he said.

Meanwhile, Vilimalé district member Nahula Ali argued that since the committee holds a PNC majority, both the Chair and Vice-Chair positions should also be held by PNC members.

When a vote was requested on this matter, Mayor Azim responded that he would submit proposed names for the committee at the next meeting, ensuring representation from all parties. However, despite this, Councilor Nahula went ahead and proposed seven members for the committee, they are as follows:

Mayor Azim reiterated that he would consult with the Deputy Mayor and present the names at the next meeting. However, this statement led to a heated exchange, with members expressing frustration, arguing that once a motion is presented, it must be put to a vote.

Hulhumalé member Ali Aiman noted that the initial Proposal Bid Evaluation Committee had also been formed through a vote, and no concerns were raised at the time.

“You can’t put a motion and just call on vote without considering what matters,” he said. He also questioned the legal basis for moving to a vote on a list proposed by a single councilor.

Eventually, Deputy Mayor Areesh joined the meeting and called for a vote on Nahula’s motion. Seven of the 15 members present voted in favor.

Additionally, a separate motion to replace Areesh with Maafannu South district member Hassan Nizam was passed with eight votes. Areesh had expressed that he did not wish to be part of the committee.

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