Drivers’ Association Condemns Handling of ‘Taxi Nafaa’ Scheme

The Drivers Association of Maldives (DAM) has criticised the government’s management of the ‘Taxi Nafaa’ loan scheme, alleging that it has left dozens of drivers repaying loans for vehicles that remain unregistered and unused more than a year after the programme was introduced.

The initiative was launched by the previous administration on 4 September 2023 under the SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC), now operating as SME Digital. However, loan disbursements reportedly continued after the current government took office, coinciding with the 2024 parliamentary elections.

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Speaking at a press conference, DAM representative Ibrahim Niyaz said many loan recipients have yet to receive or register the vehicles allocated under the scheme. He noted that some drivers were issued loans of MVR 179,000 as recently as this week.

Niyaz described the situation as a “massive scam” and said it was unacceptable for drivers to be burdened with debt for cars they had not received. He added that DAM had previously submitted a letter to the President outlining their concerns but had not received a response.

He further accused state institutions of marginalising taxi drivers and said the association was prepared to pursue legal action if necessary.

The issue has gained prominence as the government prepares to launch a new taxi fleet in partnership with the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). Niyaz questioned the registration process for the MTCC fleet in light of the delays faced by independent drivers.

Loan recipient Adam Saleem said 44 families are currently struggling with repayments due to the unresolved situation. He said many drivers were paying monthly instalments of MVR 7,000 or more despite not receiving their vehicles. According to Saleem, SME Digital had informed drivers that loan repayments must continue regardless of the status of the vehicles.

He added that no state institution had initiated an inquiry into the matter and said affected drivers had been left with “nothing but debt”.

Taxi drivers held protests over the issue last year, but DAM maintains that their concerns remain unaddressed.