Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s Mayoral Candidate for Malé City, Adam Azim, has pledged not to cooperate with the government on projects seen as reckless spending that are non-beneficial to the city.
Addressing supporters at the launch of the MDP’s campaign for Malé City Council by-elections, Azim, who is contesting the position left vacant by Dr. Mohamed Muizzu following his assumption of the office as President, stated that he will not cooperate with the government if it involves wasting public funds.
He criticised the government’s decision to fore-go the MDP-led government’s housing schemes in favour of reclaiming Fushidhiggaru Falhu, as an example of such spending already underway.
Azim, former CEO of Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), pledged to ensure housing for Gedhoruveriya and Binveriya scheme recipients and criticised the current administration’s refusal to honour housing flat allocations made by the previous government. He prioritised completing ongoing reclamation projects and infrastructure development in reclaimed areas over the Fushidhiggaru lagoon reclamation.
The Parliament’s Budget Review Committee, dominated by MDP, removed the Fushidhiggaru project from the 2024 state budget, reallocating funds to expedite the completion of Gulhifalhu and Giraavaru lagoon reclamation and enhance the Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) across the atolls.
Azim’s mayoral pledges include holding regular meetings for collective city decisions, improving waste management, resolving parking and traffic issues, and auditing city land use. He emphasised sustainable planning and transparency in city council operations.
Under Azim’s leadership, MTCC saw significant progress, including the expansion of the Male’ region bus service, introduction of mini bus services, and the launch of RTL ferry services.
By-elections for the mayorship and vacancies in Malé City Council for Maafannu South, Central Henveiru, and Henveiru South are scheduled for 13 January.
