President Stresses Importance of Electing PNC Leadership in Addu City

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said it is essential to elect candidates from the ruling party, People’s National Congress (PNC), to leadership positions in the upcoming local council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections.

Speaking at the Greater Addu–Malé meeting yesterday evening at Artificial Beach in Malé, the president urged Addu City residents to select PNC candidates for key positions, including mayor and WDC president. He highlighted the large number of development projects allocated to Addu, with 48 signed from last year’s state budget and 18 more expected this year.

He said Addu City must elect PNC members in the upcoming LCE, expressing confidence that they would vote for the party’s nominees for mayor, council members, and the president and members of the Women’s Development Committee, noting that numerous projects have been allocated this year and several signed from last year’s state budget. He warned that failing to elect PNC candidates could jeopardise the timely completion of these initiatives.

“I do not wish to see them not fulfilled due to issues arising from the council,” he said.

The president also addressed the long-standing electricity issues in Addu City, noting that previous administrations failed to resolve them despite holding both a parliamentary supermajority and a council majority. He said the current government is taking steps to stabilise the national economy and meet upcoming obligations, including the Sukuk repayment due on 8 April, while also tackling local infrastructure challenges.

He noted that as part of these efforts, Fenaka Corporation signed a contract with Definitive Solutions yesterday to complete the Central Power Station (CPS) project in Addu City, aimed at improving electricity services. The company will finish outstanding work, including installing and commissioning the power generation engines. The project was initially awarded to Dongfang Electric Corporation, but the contract was terminated due to delays. Fenaka did not disclose the contract value. Once completed, the CPS is expected to generate 26.37 megawatts of electricity.

President Muizzu said the project is expected to be completed by July next year, resolving Addu City’s electricity issues for the next 20 years. He urged residents to ensure the project’s successful completion and highlighted that local councils, under the Decentralisation Act, hold significant authority, warning that even minor actions by council members could delay the project by several months.

“A small action by [council members] could delay the project by several months,” he said. 

A strong showing for PNC candidates, President Muizzu argued, would ensure the city’s development projects proceed without obstruction and deliver long-term benefits for Addu residents.