Security personnel at the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) have obstructed Male' City Council members from meeting with the corporation’s Managing Director, Ahmed Zuhair, regarding municipal services in Hulhumale'.
Male' City Mayor Adam Azim and council members arrived at the HDC headquarters this afternoon. However, security staff prevented the council officials from reaching the reception area.
Mayor Azim said that the visit was prompted by the complete lack of progress in transferring Hulhumale' municipal services to the Male' City Council, as well as HDC’s negligence in providing those services to residents.
The Mayor noted that security personnel blocked their path before they could even reach the service counter.
"The security officers told us they were instructed not to allow any meetings without a prior appointment. I see no reason why they should be stationed there to obstruct us in this manner," Azim said.
Azim further explained that after being denied access to the counter, an HDC employee informed them that the Managing Director was not in the office. He warned that while they left today, they would be prepared to stage a sit-in at the HDC office if the corporation continues to avoid providing answers.
"We came today, but at this rate, the government must understand that a day will come when we will stay there, and a day will come when we will stay at the Housing Ministry. No official can simply hide from these issues," Azim said.
The Mayor emphasized that HDC cannot place itself above the Male' City Council. He asserted that the corporation’s responsibility is to provide municipal services to the people of Hulhumale' in accordance with the council’s directives.
The transfer of Hulhumale' municipal services to the Male' City Council was a key presidential pledge of President Mohamed Muizzu. However, progress on the transfer has stalled following the ruling PNC’s defeat in the Male' mayoral election.
