President Criticises Island Councils’ Misuse of Block Grants

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu criticised the practice of island councillors using block grants issued to the councils for “experience” trips abroad, on matters unrelated to council responsibilities.

Speaking to residents of Eydhafushi, Baa Atoll, during his ongoing four-day tour of the atoll, the President reiterated concerns he had raised a day earlier in Kendhoo.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

He said that in the previous year, the Ministry of Finance and Planning had allocated MVR 2.2 billion to island councils as block grants, with the expectation that the funds be utilised before year-end to provide municipal services and develop islands for residents. However, he noted that MVR 1.4 billion remained unspent at the close of the year.

“2.2 billion Rufiyaa was given. When the year was over, the amount remaining in all the accounts totalled MVR 1.4 billion,” he said.

President Muizzu stated that the funding was intended to be spent on services for locals but was instead being used for overseas trips that offered no practical benefit for the Maldives.

“They are going abroad to countries where you will not gain any experience suitable for the Maldives and its environment. This is what they are using that [block grant] money on,” he said.

He urged councillors to spend the funds responsibly. “There is no benefit to not using the money. They are not investing the money in ways that will benefit the people. If they invest it, that would be good too,” he added.

The President’s visit to Eydhafushi also focused on major development commitments. He pledged a comprehensive infrastructure development programme for newly reclaimed areas, to be included in next year’s national budget, along with a dedicated policy to systematically address water, sanitation, and electricity needs.

On his election pledges, he confirmed that construction of 1,000 housing units will begin this year, with completion before the end of his term. Harbour development is expected to finish within six months, and work will start on a new indoor multi-sport complex this year. Other commitments include providing a US Dollar ATM service, upgrading water and energy networks over the next two years, and expanding land for housing plots.

Eydhafushi is also set to host a convention centre, with construction beginning next year. During the visit, President Muizzu inaugurated RTL ferry services and witnessed agreements to establish a Maldives National University campus and construct a new building for Baa Atoll Hospital.

Earlier in the day, in Kendhoo, President Muizzu reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to decentralised service delivery, pledging to fulfil 10 development promises for the island along with additional projects in health, education, and recreation. Announcements included a land reclamation project, a harbour upgrade, and coastal protection works, while water and sewerage services were officially inaugurated.

President Muizzu is visiting all 13 inhabited islands of Baa Atoll during his four-day tour, accompanied by Ministers and senior Government officials.