Opposition alleges political gain behind Magoodhoo airport halt
The emergency motion calls on the government to take action against the use of development, finance and natural resources for political gain.
By
Shahudha Mohamed
An emergency motion has been submitted to the Parliament alleging that the construction of F. Magoodhoo Airport has been halted for political gain.
Main opposition lawmaker, Bilehdhoo MP Ahmed Haleem moved an emergency motion in Monday's session alleging that the project has been stopped while most of the airport is completed.
The motion passed for debate by a vote of 22 members. Four members voted against the motion.
President Mohammed Muizzu has announced the construction of an airport in Nilandhoo, about 10 minutes from Magoodhoo. Groundbreaking for the project began last week.
From the ruling main party PNC the President’s sister Fathmath Saudha is contesting the Nilandhoo constituency in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Even with the signing of the Nilandhoo airport project, people started alleging that it was a decision made to ensure that the president's sister wins the parliamentary seat.
Since then, work of the Magoodhoo airport has come to a standstill. The residents of Magoodhoo have also taken to the streets in protest.
The emergency motion filed by Ahmed Haleem on the halt of the Magoodhoo Airport project states:
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There is no doubt that the decision to nominate the President's kin as a candidate for the Nilandhoo constituency and announce the construction of an airport in the island is in the President's family and political interest
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The powers conferred on the President by the Constitution are not for personal, family or political gain
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The President has promised not to stop any projects that benefit the people initiated by the previous government; this is a violation of that promise
Therefore, the emergency motion calls on the government to take action against the use of development, finance and natural resources for the political gain of the President and his family. Additionally:
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Democracy, transparency and the principles of good governance should be upheld in all government decisions
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Called to review the decision taken by the Government in this regard
Members debated the issue in Monday's session.
