Maduvvari celebrates Eid with MVR 70,000 from the people’s budget

Preparations are being made for Eid celebrations at Raa Atoll Maduvvari by spending MVR 70,000 from the people’s budget.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has recently stopped the Hanimaadhoo Island Council from using MVR 875,000 from the people’s budget to fund a Eid festivities on the island organized by a private club.

A member of the MAduvvari Island Council said that the decision to spend the money from the people’s budget for the Eid celebrations was made by the unanimous vote of a 30-person Eid Committee selected from the island.

President of the Maduvvari Island Council, Hassan Abdul Raheem said that the money from the people’s budget is being spent for the children’s evening, stage show and cultural displays on Eid. And he said that MVR 70,000 is not a large amount when considering.

The Maduvvari Council President said that they consulted the Finance Ministry on the issue and was advised it was not a problem.

He said that Eid is being celebrated in Maduvvari in association with NGOs, clubs, organizations and the Island Council.

Responding to a question in relation to the situation, the President of ACC, Hassan Luthufee said that money can be spent from the people’s budget to clean and decorate the island.

But organizing stage shows and sporting events from the budget is against the Financial Laws and advised not to spend as such.

Luthufee said that Laamu Fonadhoo also took money from the people’s fund for Eid celebrations but the money is being used to decorate the island.

Regarding the Hanimaadhoo issue, the ACC President said that Hanimaadhoo withdrew a large sum of money from the budget for a private club and it cannot be done so.