MP Ghafoor Accuses Government of Wasted Budget, Corruption, and Neglect of Public Needs

Abdul Ghafoor Musa, the Member of Parliament for Hanimafushi constituency, stated that despite the current government approving an additional 108 billion rufiyaa in budget over the five-year period of the previous MDP administration, there has been no benefit to the people. Speaking in the Majlis today during the debate on next year's estimated budget, Ghafoor said that by the end of the five-year MDP rule, the Majlis had approved a total of 182 billion rufiyaa. However, he stated that 290 billion rufiyaa has been spent as the budget for the first three years of this administration. "Respected President, when people change governments, it is to achieve their hopes and progress, and they expect to see those goals being realized. But nothing like this is happening; no suitable project is taking place in any island of the country," Ghafoor said. Ghafoor stated that while the 64 billion rufiyaa budget allocated for this year is nearing completion, nothing has been achieved for the people. He alleged that excessive corruption within the government is the reason, claiming that 30 percent of the state budget disappears through fraud. Although the law mandates that water and sanitation facilities be established in every island in the country by the end of next year, Ghafoor said there is no visible sign of this being achieved. "I do not see any instance where this is being done. What I see is that once again, next year, this law will be amended after being submitted to the People's Majlis, and the task will be delayed to another year. Respected President, the people of this country must have access to clean drinking water, and the people of this country must have proper sewage systems," Ghafoor said. He stated that Maldivian citizens are living in very difficult circumstances and that everyone must work to change their situation. Ghafoor highlighted concerns regarding the lack of medicine availability in the country, insufficient salaries for government employees, and the dismissal of individuals who do not support the government from their jobs. He also noted concerns about rising prices of goods resulting from the increase in the dollar exchange rate.