Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has stated infrastructure and facilities for youth were not developed and the materials for such development projects were damaged due to negligence of the island councils during his term in office from 2013 to 2018.
Speaking at a rally organised by Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) in Thulushdhoo, Kaafu Atoll, former President Yameen said some councils refused to allocate land plots for buildings, while other councils opposed development projects for youth.
Due to such rifts, the former president noted construction materials such as construction aggregate, sand and cement sent to the islands were damaged and councils were to be blamed for such loss to the government. He further said councillors who aspire development of the islands regardless of political ideology must be elected to ensure development.
The former president also criticised the thrift spending policy the current administration implements. Yameen said the foreign currency reserve at Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has hit a new low. He said the responsibility of the public is not only electing officials, rather advocating for the development of the islands by highlighting the failures of the administration. He also requested the people to prepare for the upcoming council elections.
Criticizing the current administration, former President Yameen also said the president cannot put blame on ministers when development projects and public services halt. He expressed the president has to take the blame.
The former president also raised concerns regarding the speed and projects the administration has carried thus far. He concluded his speech saying after assuming power, the administration has not implemented what it has advocated for.