Azim pledges protest over Hulhumalé council transfer demand
Municipal services in Hulhumalé are currently managed by the Housing Development Corporation, which also holds ownership of land in the area.
Malé City Mayor Adam Azim has stated that members of the Maldivian Democratic Party will stage a continuous protest outside the Housing Development Corporation if elected in the upcoming council elections, until municipal services in Hulhumalé are transferred to the Malé City Council.
Municipal services in Hulhumalé are currently managed by the Housing Development Corporation, which also holds ownership of land in the area.
The transfer of municipal functions to the Malé City Council had been proposed during President Mohamed Muizzu’s tenure as Mayor and was included in his presidential pledges. A directive to transfer these services was issued on 31 December 2023.
HDC continues to manage services in Hulhumalé. President Muizzu has stated that the transfer has not taken place as the council has not assumed responsibility.
Speaking at a rally in Hulhumalé on Wednesday, Azim rejected the President’s statement and said the transfer has not been completed.
Azim, who is seeking re-election, said residents have raised concerns regarding the delay in transferring municipal functions.
He stated that members of his party would remain outside the offices of HDC until the transfer is completed if elected.
Azim also said that protests would be held at both the President’s Office and HDC to call for the transfer of services.
He stated that the transfer of municipal responsibilities to the council was pledged within the first 100 days of the current administration.
President Muizzu has previously stated that municipal services in Hulhumalé should be managed by the council, noting that the area is part of Malé under the law.
