The government has blocked the Male' city council from distributing tuna cans - a gift pledged by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu for Ramadan - in the Male' region.
Mayor Adam Azim said the city council had collaborated with Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFC) and State Trading Organization (STO) to distribute the tuna cans. But the government on Thursday morning abruptly ordered against distributing the tuna cans from any office connected to the city council.
"They told us in the morning, we should not distribute tuna cans to the people from any Male' city council office. But since we had already made the announcement, there was confusion," Azim said.
He said the sudden decision was causing inconvenience to the people as preparations had already been made and venues and times had been announced for the distribution.
"People are coming here to collect the tuna cans set aside for them with their [tax] money. It is everyone's responsibility to make arrangements for them to get the tuna cans arranged with their [tax] money. They should not have to bear this burden," he said.
"I am very concerned because the government creates so much confusion for the people."
An announcement was made last week to begin the distribution of tuna cans in the Male' region at 2:30 pm on Thursday. However, with the government's abrupt decision, distribution has now been postponed for tonight.
Tuna cans will be distributed at four locations in Male' region:
- Male' - MIFCO office compound and MTCC sawmill
- Villingili - WAMCO site
- Hulhumale' Phase 1 - Umar Zahir Building
- Hulhumale' Phase 2 - Hiya Flat Tower 10 Youth Centre
Azim said the city council was blocked from distributing the tuna cans after all the necessary preparations were made and the cans were taken to the city council offices.
