Male’ City Council’s Network of Consultants Valued at MVR 10 Million

Male’ City Council has engaged several consultants to handle tasks typically managed by government offices, with contracts exceeding MVR 10 million in total value.

Under the Right to Information Act, the Adhadhu media has formally requested detailed information on the consultants’ activities at Male’ City Council from May 17, 2021, to November 30, 2023, along with their monthly salaries.

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This period coincided with the tenure of Dr Mohamed Muizzu as the Mayor of the city council, who assumed office on November 17. The council has provided a list of consultants, their respective tasks, monthly expenditures, agreement dates, and expiration dates. 

However, specific details regarding the nature of their work have not been disclosed, offering only general areas of consultancy, which typically align with roles within government offices that attract lower remuneration.

The total value of all contracts has been disclosed as MVR. 10,078,500 (Ten million seven hundred and eighty-six thousand rupees). Some contracts have already concluded, and a few consultants have transitioned to various positions within the government.

Notably, the lowest-priced consultancy commands a monthly fee of MVR 18,000, with the council allocating funds accordingly. The most substantial contract was valued at MVR 45,000. Many of these tasks mirror responsibilities typically carried out by ordinary civil service employees in government offices, who often receive modest compensation.

The council’s information sheet indicates that the agreements were signed in November, with an expiration date in October. Consequently, the total amount mentioned assumes a one-year contract period.