Deputy Leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC) and Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has stated that there is no room for delays in delivering the development sought by the public, adding that councillors who slow down the Government’s development agenda are not needed at this time.

He made the remarks while speaking at the inauguration of the Kulhudhuffushi City campaign office in Malé City.

Shiyam rejected claims that the Government can only be held accountable if opposition councillors are elected. He said residents want projects already initiated by the Government to move forward without obstruction and without unnecessary delays.

He stated that development would progress more efficiently if councils are composed of members who accept and support the vision of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and work in coordination with the Government.

Shiyam stressed that councils are not institutions established to hinder the Government, but rather bodies meant to work alongside the Government in delivering services to citizens and implementing development projects across islands and cities.

“When we are behind in development, every moment matters. Even a delay of a day, two days or a month is costly. There is no time to slow down progress due to differing views,” he said.

The Minister also noted that this year’s national budget includes the highest number of Public Sector Investment Programme projects (PSIP) in the country’s history. He added that to fully implement these projects, the Government requires councils that are willing to cooperate and work in alignment with national development priorities.