Deputy Mayor Mohamed Nareesh recently disclosed that Mohamed Shahid, the Corporate Development Minister of the Presidential office, attended a Male City Council meeting in his former capacity as a consultant.
During this meeting, Shahid, who acted as a project consultant, suggested transferring specific projects to the Construction and Infrastructure Ministry, adhering to their original terms and conditions. This proposal received widespread support from council members, with only the Councilor of the West Galolhu Constituency, Nazima Faiz, abstaining from the vote.
Shahid’s attendance at the Council meeting, given his current role in the Presidential office, sparked considerable criticism. Responding to these concerns, Nareesh explained that it’s not uncommon for individuals to participate in meetings representing their previous positions, especially when they can offer valuable expertise.
Nareesh also noted that Shahid’s proposal was based on a plan initially prepared by the Council and had been submitted in accordance with standard guidelines before the official meeting.
The motion, which had begun its approval process three weeks prior, was reportedly delayed due to budgetary calculations. According to Nareesh, Shahid was specifically requested by the Council to attend the meeting to discuss project updates.
Contrasting views were presented by Saif Fathih, a member from the North Galolhu Constituency. Fathih expressed skepticism about Shahid’s involvement, questioning the need for his proposal submission when an official Council Member could have done so.
Fathih further highlighted that major council projects, including parking buildings and commercial and housing projects in Vilimale’, were not reliant on the State’s Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) budget. He emphasized that the Council had independently secured funding for these initiatives.
Fathih also raised concerns about the implications of Shahid’s participation in the meeting, suggesting it could reflect a lack of confidence by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in the current council’s ability to complete projects initiated during his mayoral tenure. He strongly opposed the idea of former employees or officials participating as advisors in Council meetings.
The official rationale for transferring these projects was to hasten their progress, with a stipulation that they would revert to the City Council’s control if no significant advancements were made within six months. However, this clause only applies to projects exceeding MVR 100 million in cost.
Shahid, in the Council meeting, advocated for the transfer of these projects to a relevant ministry to expedite the process while maintaining the Council’s originally agreed terms. He specifically suggested the Ministry of Infrastructure for this purpose.