Council expresses concern as govt. projects in Dharavandhoo stalled

B. Dharavandhoo Council has raised concerns as major projects initiated by the government on the island remain stalled, while two years have passed without the operationalization of the complete sewerage system.

In an exclusive interview with Sun, Dharavandhoo Council President Ali Sameeh said the sewerage system as a service crucially required by the residents of the island where tourism is developing, adding a significant sum of money had spent on the project.

Sameeh, noting the project commenced during the former administration is near completion, said the project has been halted since the current administration assumed office.

According to Sameeh, the projects in Dharavandhoo that have been halted are projects that were commenced during the former MDP administration.

“The residents have yet to experience the benefits of a service they have long awaited. Despite its completion, two years have passed without the current administration putting it into operation. This situation is not only disappointing for the residents but also deeply concerning,” he said.

Sameeh called on the government to attend to stalled projects and expedite services. Citing that the residents of the island were living in difficulty, Sameeh emphasized that the lack of this essential service—especially on an island where tourism is growing—is deeply disappointing for both the local community and the council.

“This is a very crucial service. Thus, I urge not to deprive us of such a service,” he added.

Speaking further, Sameeh, citing the development of Dharavandhoo harbor had commenced, said it an opportunity was secured through the council’s persistent efforts. However, he stressed that work has significantly slowed down since the current administration.

Sameeh attributed the slowed progress to difficulties in accruing rock boulders. He expressed hope for the work to pick up pace once rock boulders are acquired.

“The completion of the harbor is something we allocated high priority to. This includes expanding the harbor and constructing the outer wall,” he said.

Apart from these projects, Sameeh detailed that budget has been allocated for other projects on the island, including a mosque, developing roads up to modern standards, a new school building and a police station.

While this year is marked ‘Visit Dharavandhoo’ year, Sameeh said the Council calls upon the government to expedite essential projects required by the island’s residents as soon as possible.