The Government’s development projects across the atolls are being delayed due to some opposition-aligned councils refusing to hand over land, Deputy Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Mohamed Lam’aan, has said.

Speaking to MMTV following PNC’s Taraweeh event attended by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Lam’aan stated that several councils holding differing political views from the Government have created significant obstacles. He noted that these challenges have also affected projects entrusted to MACL.

According to Lam’aan, certain councils have not released land required for the construction of fitness and recreation centres and sports complexes on various islands. He said the President’s priority is to deliver services to the public swiftly, but delays in land allocation have slowed progress.

He further revealed that 57 projects have yet to commence due to the failure to hand over land, describing the situation as unacceptable. President Dr Muizzu, speaking at the same event, echoed this concern, stating that the ultimate loss is borne by the public.

The President said it is not acceptable for Government pledges to remain unfulfilled due to administrative obstacles at council level. He emphasised the importance of electing councils that will cooperate with the Government to facilitate development, adding that doing so would enable the timely delivery of promised projects.