All Vaadhoo councilors suspended without pay

Local Government Authority (LGA) has suspended all councilors of GDh. Vaadhoo Council in light of various issues that have come to light.

LGA launched an inquiry into Vaadhoo Council after they noticed an issue in January. A total of 27 issues were noted during the inquiry.

They include councilors sexually harassing female staff in the council secretariate, council president threatening expatriates residing on the island, divisions among councilors and the council president differentiating between councilors.

Other issues included councilors arguing using foul language during council meetings and works, secretary general’s failure to adequately fulfill their responsibility, differentiating between staff and threatening staff over small matters.

The inquiry also found that the council had accepted money in violation of financial regulations.

Vaadhoo Council responded to LGA’s inquiry during the opportunity they were granted.

Following this, LGA found the councilors’ acts significantly damaging to the decentralization system.

Therewith, they decided to suspend Vaadhoo Council President Hassan Abdulla and Councilor Mohamed Shifaag without pay and allowances for three months and suspend Deputy President Harish Mohamed and Councilor Sara Mohamed without pay and allowances for two months.

Meanwhile, Councilor Mariyath Ibrahim was suspended without pay and allowances for one month.