Member of Parliament for South Feydhoo consituency Ibrahim Didi has stated that Addu City has not seen the level of progress achieved by other cities, attributing the situation to the appointment of incompetent councillors and mayors.

Didi made the remarks while speaking at the inauguration of the People’s National Congress (PNC) campaign office for Addu City in the Malé area.

Addu City was the first city established outside Malé under the decentralisation system. Since its establishment, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has held the mayoral position as well as the majority in the city council and Women’s Development Committees for three terms, spanning around 15 years.

Didi noted that after Addu was granted city status, other islands such as Fuvahmulah, Thinadhoo and Kulhudhuffushi were also designated as cities. Those areas have since seen greater progress, with residents enjoying improved living standards in terms of development as well as social and economic conditions.

Responding to criticism directed at the Government by Addu City Mayor Ali Nizar, Didi questioned why significant development had not been achieved in Addu during the five years when the MDP was in government.

He also claimed that when the current Administration assumed office, Addu faced challenges in accessing reliable electricity and water services, and criticised the quality of roads constructed during the previous administration.

Didi further said Mayor Nizar should refrain from criticising the Government led by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu over development in Addu.

He also alleged that although the mayor and councillors travelled to several countries in Europe and Asia on official visits during Nizar’s tenure, those trips had not resulted in tangible benefits for the people of Addu.

Didi expressed confidence that development in Addu would accelerate if the PNC secures both the mayoral position and the majority in the Addu City Council.