City Council did not want Hulhumale' municipal work: Pres

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said last night that Male' City Council did not want to be responsible for Hulhumale' municipal services and that is the reason why the matter has not closed in such a long time.

While answering questions posed by citizens at the Hulhumale' Phase 1 community meeting last night, President Muizzu said that bringing Hulhumale's municipal services under the City Council is one of his pledges, and that he has worked with HDC and the City Council to achieve it.

However, the President said that the City Council did not agree to take responsibility for Hulhumale's municipal services. And so, the President said that HDC is handling Hulhumale's municipal services for the time being.

"My hope is that the council will reverse their decision without much delay and take over the services. I am ready to fulfill my pledge," said the President.

President Muizzu stated that the Cabinet has done what it needs to, relevant ministries have done their work but the reason why the pledge cannot be fulfilled and is being delayed is because the council refuses to take responsibility or because they are not ready.

It was announced before that all Hulhumale' municipal services that were under HDC were to go to Male' City Council on 1st January 2024. However, it still has not been implemented in almost two years.

Mayor of Male' Adam Azim has stated that an MoU was also signed. However, Azim said that signing of the final agreement is being delayed because the President does not want it to be done.

"We are ready to bring all the services under our wing," said Azim.

HDC is currently providing all the main municipal services of Hulhumale'. The services being changed to the City Council as determined by the law is a presidential pledge of President Muizzu.

After the Cabinet met in January 2024, President Muizzu posted on social media stating that the changes of offices, equipment, plot and employees can be done within that month. The President also said that current employees would receive one year's worth of remuneration.