The government has faced criticism for planning to light up islands across the country for Eid without solving the electricity issues facing Addu.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu decided to put up festive lights in Male' and the two most populous islands of each atoll for Eid-al-Fitr this year.

The government allocated a MVR 28 million budget and the Local Government Ministry has already started the practical work.

Social media users have expressed anger and frustration as the government plans to spend a huge amount to light up islands without solving Addu's power outages.

"I am against spending so much to light up Male' while the people of Addu are in darkness. Eid should be celebrated after providing basic services to all the people," Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) wrote in a post on X.

Addu mayor Ali Nizar earlier said he is against lighting up the southernmost city without solving the electricity problem in Hithadhoo and connected islands.

In January this year, Muizzu promised to solve the electricity issues in all islands, including Addu, before Ramadan.

"The government is insisting on lighting up for Eid even when there is continuous power outage. It is a shame to light up for Eid while the people are in such a situation. It cannot be done under the council," Nizar said.

Addu, the second most populous city in the Maldives, has been facing frequent power outages since early last year. The government has given various deadlines to resolve the issue.