The Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has urged his cabinet ministers and relevant state actors to expedite ongoing developmental projects across the Maldives in a transparent manner, while providing regular updates about these initiatives the public.
The current administration led by Muizzu faces heavy criticism over its relative sluggishness in launching infrastructure development projects across the country as was promised during the presidential campaigning. During his campaign run, the incumbent head of state had assured social housing will remain as top focus; with the intention of permanently solving housing issues in the Greater Male’ region.
During a cabinet meeting session on Tuesday, the cabinet ministers along with the Managing Directors of the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) convened to discuss and provide updates about ongoing projects to the president. The SOEs that attended the meeting include:
- State Trading Organization (STO)
- Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO)
- Fenaka Corporation Limited
- Road Development Corporation (RDC)
- Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC)
- Male’ Water and Sewerage Company Pvt Ltd (MWSC)
The MDs of these SOEs briefed the president on their assigned projects and shared updates of their progress.
During this meeting President Muizzu had emphasized the importance of meeting project deadlines, and addressed the concerns raised by the ministers and SOE heads. He also encouraged his administration to provide project updates to the public and ensure completion of said projects in a timely and transparent manner.
The current government is facing heat over the comparative lack of urbanization efforts it had launched since coming to power back in November 2023. Earlier, the administration said it was shackled to a tight state budget that had been approved during the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)-led government for 2024.
The Muizzu Administration assured all halted projects along with several new ones will begin with a handsome budget, that would be approved for the 2025 state budget by the current, ruling People’s National Congress (PNC)-controlled parliament.