D. Bandidhoo Residents Say Only Solution is to Change Government: Rising Costs, Stalled Projects, and Job Fears

Residents of D. Bandidhoo in Dhaalu Atoll have expressed severe frustration with the current administration during a special edition of RaajjeTV's 'Halu Kihine?' program. They said that the only way to address the challenges facing the country is to change the government. Residents complained about the rising cost of goods, electricity and water bills, with one resident noting that the electricity bill has increased from 6,000 rufiyaa to 7,000 rufiyaa in recent months. Another resident said development projects on the island have stalled, including a harbor site where six pipes were installed for reclamation but the work remains incomplete. Several residents who were laid off from government jobs claimed they were told they could keep their positions only if they signed for the ruling PNC party. One person said a letter was sent confirming permanent employment, but later they were informed it was a mistake and were subsequently terminated. The President of the Bandidhoo Women's Development Committee (WDC) said the committee’s budget has been cut, making it impossible to implement planned activities. She also expressed concern that the powers of local councils are being stripped away by the central government. Health services also came under criticism, with a resident pointing out that the island's pharmacy has only one pharmacist on on-call duty with no fixed working hours, and even basic medicines are often unavailable. Many residents directly criticized President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, with an elderly man sending a message to the president warning that his time in power will soon end. Several residents stated that President Muizzu will not be re-elected for a second term.