President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated last night that there are 57 island projects that still have not gotten off the ground due to local councils that have differing opinions against the government.
During the PNC tarawih dinner, the President said that there are many housing projects that are underway within the Male' region, with land reclamation of 385 hectares in Rasmale' and the land reclamation of Giraavaru Falhu.
He also said that there are many ongoing projects within other islands but that there are difficulties being faced in honoring the government's pledges due to 57 island councils.
The President went on to say that the projects are being delayed due to the island councils having a difference of opinion with the government and going against the state so as not to hand over plots.
"When I looked over the statistics today, there is work we have been unable to begin in 57 islands due to the island councils having a difference of political opinion with the government and going against the state so as not to hand over plots. The land can only be handed over by the councils," said the President.
"These 57 projects have not started due to land not being allocated as the councils are not being cooperative. This is just one example. There are many other situations where obstructions from councils have resulted in my pledges to the citizens not being executed in a hasty manner."
President Muizzu stated that the work to fulfill pledges is done sincerely, with him requesting PNC candidates be elected in the upcoming Local Council Election so that those projects can move forward post haste.
Along with that, the President said that as the individual in the highest position in the council is the only one who can agenda and implement projects even though the council have a PNC majority, he requested PNC candidates be chosen for the positions of city mayors and council presidents.
He also said that it would cause great difficulty for the government if people in those positions have differing opinions.
