GDh. Gadhdhoo suspended its issuance of licenses yesterday due to cases of licenses being issued irregularly for bribes without necessary tests coming to light.

As per the statement from Gadhdhoo Council, they were forced to suspend the land transport licenses they issued and all services related to maritime licenses due to negligence from those in positions of responsibility.

Due to these illegal acts that also violated the rules that were done to gain substantial financial benefits, the statement reads that the service meant to serve the public as a means of convenience has been halted.

Gadhdhoo Council stated they received many complaints about license issues even after the fifth term of councilors took office.

According to the council, they looked into reliable information the Council President received and what they found was that licenses were being issued in violation of guidelines. The license was issued to a person who had applied on 30th August while they were in Male'. The statement confirms that the Gadhdhoo Council issued the license to the individual the following day.

The council said that further investigation uncovered an uncivilized offense on the part of a few members of the fourth term council.

The statement continues to read that in relation to such matters, Civil Service staff had no choice but to take steps and shoulder the consequences of those acts.

Gadhdhoo Council went on to say that senior officials from the relevant ministry had gone to Gadhdhoo on Thursday and conducted monitoring efforts, where they highlighted many acts that violated the rules. This includes the number of applications for licenses in Male' and the same number of licenses being issued from Gadhdhoo.

As per the council, more than 1,600 licenses have been issued by Gadhdhoo over the past year, which is about 133 licenses each month. After going through the information they received from examiners, the council said two to three people do the practical each week but were unable to pass.

Gadhdhoo Council said they are discussing with the relevant government bodies to restart both land and maritime license services.

The council also said such uncivilized offenses, theft, corruption and negligence will not occur during the council's current term. They stated that the council will continue to serve the public in a way that benefits them the most and will continue to enforce the law and guidelines.