The Mohamed Muizzu administration designated seven urban centres without any consultations whatsoever, the Chair of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Fayyaz Ismail, has said.
In a post to social media, Ismail said that President Muizzu is doing the exact opposite of what he had promised and reiterated during several rallies.
“Today, the administration announced the designation of seven islands as urban centres without any consultation [with stakeholders] and without consulting the people [of the islands],” he said.
The 20-year master plan for national development will similarly be formulated without consulting the people, Ismail charged, saying that Muizzu’s actions prove that he will not be able to stick to his own plans.
Meanwhile, Muizzu, as part of his presidential pledges, had committed to designating and developing seven islands as urban centres with a view to spur development throughout the atolls.
Under his pledge, Ungoofaaru Island in Raa (R.) Atoll, Eydhafushi Island in Baa (B.) Atoll, Naifaru Island in Lhaviyani (Lh.) Atoll, Mahibadhoo Island in Alifu Dhaalu (ADh.) Atoll, Nilandhoo Island in Faafu (F.) Atoll, Kudahuvadhoo Island in Dhaalu (Dh.) Atoll and Fonadhoo Island in Laamu (L.) Atoll have been designated urban development centres.
In a post to social media on Saturday, Muizzu said that under the administration’s sustainable regional development policy, a Northern Integrated Development Zone will be developed in the three northernmost atolls, and a Southern Integrated Development Zone will be developed in the four southernmost atolls.
