PNC Party Leader and President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu began his speech at last night's PNC tarawih dinner in Male' by showcasing the Strategic Action Plan that was approved by the Male' City Council when he took his seat as Mayor of Male'.
While holding the book that contained the plans, the President said that the projects that were included in the plan have come to a halt since Adam Azim was elected as the Mayor of Male' under MDP's ticket, who had been elected right after President Muizzu had left his role as Mayor.
"Two years have passed. The city council's term that started in service of Male's residents is now coming to an end. None of the projects have moved forward within that term," said the President while showing the Action Plan.
He went on to say that the Male' City Council's latest term has not expired yet even though the projects within the Action Plan have not moved forward.
President Muizzu continued to speak on this lack of progress, stating that even though Male' City Council currently has a PNC supermajority, the sitting Mayor is the only one with the power to implement practical steps and efforts.
Male' projects under the government in the absence of council efforts as per the President:
- The beginning of the expansion of Boduthakurufaanu Magu with quality work. The President highlighted that the stretch of road that has been expanded from the Presidential Jetty to the North Harbor has eased driving on it for many. Next is the stretch of road from the Presidential Jetty to the MTCC Terminal which will begin after the end of Ramadan. The President said that the project will continue until the stretch of road leading to West Park is expanded.
- President Muizzu said that work on the parks in Male' were started by his government. He said that Sultan Park, Republic Square, Rasfannu and Artificial Beach were all in tatters. Even though they were made properly in the past, the only thing Male' residents received was negligence from the council due to their irresponsibility, as was said by the President. And so, the President highlighted that the government began repairing the said locations.
While there are 18 members in the Male' City Council, 15 of them are affiliated with PNC.
As per President Muizzu, all operational responsibility of the Male' City Council falls to the Mayor, with the council's Secretary General acting on the Mayor's directive, with council employees working on the instruction of the Secretary General.
"It does not matter if there are 18 councilors or three councilors if things are to be done incorrectly. The last two years have been quite bad," said the President.
"The 18 councilors took steps from various angles to implement the Strategic Action Plan. Even so, residents of Male' would see that the city has not progressed as per the plan. The plans I set into motion while I was Mayor have come to a halt. Nothing has progressed."
At that point, President Muizzu posed a question. Whether the residents of Male' will allow such a thing to happen or not.
According to President Muizzu, the Strategic Action Plan that was formed during his time as Mayor includes the main objectives of this government's "Dhiveheenge Raajje." However, the residents of Male' have suffered as the Action Plan has not been implemented at a local level over the last two years, stated the President.
And so, the President requested to give an opportunity to a Mayor and a team of councilors who would fully cooperate with him and the government for the betterment of Male'.
"I am confident that the beloved residents of Male' will make that decision on 4th April. Even now, I extend my gratitude," said President Muizzu.
Former Chief of Defense Force and former Defense Minister Moosa Ali Jaleel will be running for the position of Mayor of Male' under PNC's ticket.
