Previous administration executed projects for own benefits: Construction Minister

Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib has criticised the previous administration for executing projects in a manner that lacked sincerity and appeared to be driven by personal interests. Speaking at the “Hafutha 52” panel discussion, Minister Dr. Muththalib emphasised that, while the former Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure was designated for overseeing developmental initiatives, several large-scale projects were undertaken without the ministry’s involvement or consultation. He highlighted examples such as the development of Hanimaadhoo International Airport, Gan International Airport, and the works related to the Felivaru Fish Factory. Furthermore, Minister Dr. Muththalib explained that the absence of technical input from the relevant authorities in the planning stages of these major projects led to unnecessary and inefficient work. For instance, he pointed out that the construction of a one-kilometre fuel jetty at Hanimaadhoo International Airport was redundant, as the deep reef in the area surrounding the island would allow the use of an oil barge instead. The minister clarified that the current administration decided to continue with the USD15 million project, not due to its necessity, but to avoid the substantial financial loss that would result from halting it mid-way. Additionally, Minister Dr. Muththalib stated that while the land reclamation project of Giraavalhu Falhu was contracted to Maldives Fund Management Company, the company was not equipped to manage large-scale infrastructure projects. He added that the company was established with an aim of assisting the government to manage funds and generate more revenue. Highlighting that despite the current administration completing the advance payments for the initiatives, as it is directly linked with the lives of residents, the minister stated that the project was still not progressing as expected. In his address, Minister Dr. Muththalib expressed concerns about the previous administration’s allocation of land plots in Gulhifalhu under the housing scheme. He criticised the lack of planning that failed to account for the necessary infrastructure to provide essential services to the future residents. The minister stated that the previous administration’s decisions were made with an eye on securing re-election, prioritising personal gain over the genuine needs of the public.