Adam Azim Raises Concerns Over Council’s Project Shift to Ministry

Mayor-elect Adam Azim expressed concerns over Male City Council’s decision, dominated by the ruling coalition, to transfer major projects to the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure in yesterday’s meeting.

During the meeting, the President’s Office’s Principal Secretary to the President on Corporate Development, Mohamed Shahid, proposed the transfer of certain projects to the relevant ministry for expedited progress. The proposal was approved with the support of the majority, with 10 out of 100 councilors endorsing it, and one abstaining from voting.

Mayor-elect Azim expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision in a post on X, stating that Male’ residents had already indicated their preferences in the recent mayoral by-election held on Saturday. 

He called on the government to cease the efforts by ministerial-level officials at the President’s Office to take control of the council’s projects, citing violations of the eighth chapter of the Maldivian constitution and the Decentralization Act.

Azim further urged the government to postpone the implementation of Wednesday’s decision until he officially assumes the responsibilities of the Male’ mayor. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Monday.

Throughout his campaign, Azim had consistently emphasised that his policies align with those of the government, pledging full cooperation. The unfolding situation brings to light potential tensions between the incoming mayor and the ruling coalition regarding the management of key projects within the city.