President Mohamed Muizzu lost his temper and blamed his cabinet ministers during yesterday’s cabinet meeting over the slow progress and suspension of government projects.
Reliable sources informed Adhadhu that Muizzu accused the ministers of negligence regarding the stalled projects. He pointed fingers at Finance Minister Hassan Zareer and former Finance Minister Moosa Zameer concerning issues with project funding.
"The ministers did not say a word in response. However, the real reason is clear to everyone; projects cannot proceed because there is no money," a source told Adhadhu.
Another source noted that after the President’s heated remarks, the cabinet meeting was adjourned much earlier than its usual scheduled time.
The source further added that the foreign aid sought by the Maldives for project financing and budget support has yet to be secured.
Muizzu’s outburst comes despite his repeated public assurances on various platforms that funding and all necessary arrangements were finalized before the administration awarded these projects.
However, many projects contracted to state-owned enterprises and private companies have now come to a standstill. While some projects show minimal progress, the majority have stalled shortly after their foundation stones were laid.
Growing public complaints regarding these delays have also prompted members of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) in Parliament to begin expressing their own concerns.
Infrastructure development spending has seen a big decline during this administration's tenure. Although MVR 12.5 billion was budgeted for capital expenditure last year, only MVR 6.8 billion was actually spent.
Mirroring last year’s trend, capital expenditure remains heavily restricted this year. The latest figures show that by mid-year, only MVR 3.2 billion of the annual budget has been utilized.
