President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated last night that if the city council in Addu does not share the same views as the government, it may prove to be an obstacle towards the important development projects that the government has lined up for the city.
At the launch event for PNC's "The Greater Addu" campaign at the Artificial Beach in preparation for the upcoming Local Council Election on 4th April, President Muizzu said that Addu's electricity issue is something many governments have had a hard time solving.
The President highlighted that the Parliament and council majority was held by MDP during the previous government, with them having not solved the issue.
While the current government is working to find a permanent solution to the matter, the President gestured to the obstacles posed by the city council.
As per President Muizzu, councils in all islands should share the same views as the government so that said obstacles can be minimized.
"Councils have been given many responsibilities and power within the decentralization system. This power can be used to stop many things. Obstacles can be faced," said President Muizzu.
"If Addu City's majority or the position of Mayor is being held by those who do not share the same political views as us, they can use said powers to derail us by months."
And so, the President made the appeal that no opportunity be given for such acts to take place.
"That is what I would like to share with you when it comes to electing our candidates in the upcoming election, not just Addu City but councils from all over Maldives," said President Muizzu.
According to the President, even though it has become the norm to vote along family stances during the local council election, it is everyone's responsibility to prioritize the development of the entire city or the entire island.
Regarding the government's vision for Addu's business sector, the President said that he intends to make Addu a business hub for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), as per this year's Presidential Address. The President also said that the legal and administrative work surrounding that vision will be completed within this year, with Addu experiencing a "golden age" of investment in regards to SMEs from 1st January 2027 for the following three years.
President Muizzu also said that as island plots are under the purview of councils, they are the ones who can interfere with such projects with ease.
"If the council or mayor in Addu City does not share the same views as the government, these projects can be stopped with ease. And so, I request the residents of Addu do not give way to such an opportunity," said the President.
