Gadhdhoo Council Suspends Vehicle, Sea Licence Services Amid Alleged Issuance Irregularities

Gadhdhoo Council has suspended all land and sea transport licensing services following the discovery of alleged irregularities in the issuance of licences from the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll island.

In a gazette announcemnt issued yesterday, the council said the suspension followed complaints received after the current fifth-term councillors took office and a subsequent investigation into licensing practices. 

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According to the council, an investigation launched on 6 September found a case in which a person residing in Malé applied for a licence from Gadhdhoo on August 30 and was issued the licence the following day.

The council alleged that further investigation indicated the involvement of some members of the previous, fourth-term council in irregular licensing practices. It did not provide details of any disciplinary or criminal proceedings against the individuals.

The council said two senior officials from the relevant ministry visited Gadhdhoo on September 17 to monitor the licensing operation and identified multiple breaches of licensing procedures.

More than 1,600 licences were issued through Gadhdhoo over the past year, averaging around 133 licences a month, according to the council.

The council said information obtained from examiners involved in the process indicated that only two or three applicants, or fewer, took practical driving tests in some weeks despite the high number of licences issued.

The volume of licences issued from Gadhdhoo was also described by the council as nearly equivalent to the number issued in Malé and the wider Malé region.

The council said the alleged irregularities had also placed pressure on civil service employees, who were required to carry out tasks outside normal procedures.

Gadhdhoo Council said it was working with relevant government authorities to reorganise the licensing service and resume land and maritime licence issuance.

The council also said it would strengthen its administrative procedures during the current term to prevent corruption, fraud and other violations of laws and regulations.

The council’s announcement did not specify when the suspended licensing services would resume.