Adhadhu has learnt that the number of items and quantities to be sent to the islands to put up festive lights for Eid-al-Fitr was reduced despite the government spending MVR 28 million on the project.
The Local Government Ministry sent letters to island councils on March 6 with the list of items and their quantities.
But councillors told Adhadhu that a new letter was sent on March 17 after reducing the items and quantities to be provided to the islands.
Local Government Minister Adam Shareef said some villages would not receive only the larger festive lights, but they were working to send it too.
Adhadhu has received copies of the letters.
The first letter had specified nine items, while the second letter had six items. Some of the quantities of the six items were also reduced.
“This is a waste of state money,” a council president said.
"The items sent to this island are not enough to light up the island."
Last year, a budget of MVR 50 million was allocated for the Eid lighting. In addition to these islands, 36 new islands will be lit this year at a total cost of MVR 75 million.
Some businessmen told Adhadhu that even if the Eid lights were brought from China and sent to the islands at the original price, it would not cost MVR 75 million.
“They are imported at much higher prices,” a businessman said.
The government spends money to bring the lights and STELCO send them to the islands.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Auditor General's Office have not taken any steps to stop the wasteful project.
