President says delays in island projects linked to lack of council cooperation

President Mohamed Muizzu said on Thursday that several government projects signed for islands have not commenced due to a lack of cooperation from island councils.

The President made the remarks while speaking at the opening of the headquarters of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) at H. Veyovilaage on Thursday evening.

President Muizzu said that difficulties arise when councils elected in upcoming local elections do not align with the government’s policy direction. He said this affects the implementation of projects and the government’s ability to meet its commitments.

He said he had reviewed a list of islands where projects signed two or three months ago had yet to begin because land had not been handed over by councils. He said the stalled projects include the construction of mosques, and the expansion of schools, hospitals and health centres.

“The people of the island are the ones affected,” he said, adding that such delays should be avoided and that voters hold the authority to decide the composition of councils.

The President said the government intends to implement projects and policies at an increased pace during the remainder of its term following the council elections. He said this would be facilitated by the election of councils aligned with the PNC.

He also said local councils are not intended to function as bodies to hold the government to account, stating that accountability mechanisms are defined under the legal framework.

Commenting on opposition campaigning, the President said calls to elect councils to check the government were misplaced. He said the law clearly sets out the institutions responsible for oversight and that councils operate within a separate tier of governance.

President Muizzu said he remains confident that the commitments made to the public will be delivered.