Zaya: MVR 9M paid to Pres. Muizzu’s close associate during mayoral tenure before project was completed

Fathimath Zahiyya (Zaya), Councilor for the North Hulhumale' constituency, alleged on Wednesday that more than MVR 9 million was paid to a company owned by a close associate of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during his tenure as Male' City Mayor for a project that was incomplete.

Speaking at an official general meeting of the Male' City Council, Councilor Zaya alleged that the council's records digitalization project was awarded on three separate occasions to Acquitize Private Limited, a company owned by Mohamed Asbah, whom she described as a "close associate" of the President.

According to Zaya, the project was initially contracted for the period from May 17, 2022, to August 16, 2022. After the company failed to complete the work within the stipulated timeframe, the contract was renewed from August 15, 2022, to February 14, 2023. She further stated that despite continued delays, the project was once again awarded to the same company until June 14, 2023.

Zaya alleged that millions of Rufiyaa were paid to the company despite its failure to complete the assigned work.

"Even after these deadlines passed, the work remained unfinished. Information has been received indicating that over MVR 9 million was released by the Male' City Council to this company before the project reached completion," she stated.

In response to the alleged irregularities, Zaya proposed a motion to refer the matter to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for investigation. She also suggested requesting the Prosecutor General to instruct the ACC to expedite its inquiry into the case.

The City Council resolved yesterday to refer the matter to the relevant council committee for further review before bringing it back to the council floor for a final decision.

Responding to the allegations, former City Council Secretary General and current WAMCO Managing Director Mujthaba Jaleel stated that Acutize Private Limited, the company contracted to carry out the digitalization project, has no personal connection to President Muizzu.

Mujthaba further stated that President Muizzu did not intervene in the procurement process of any project undertaken by the council during his tenure as Mayor. He noted that the council's financial and procurement matters are governed by established regulations and cannot be decided unilaterally by the Mayor.

Having served as the council's Secretary General from November 2021 to November 2023, Mujthaba noted that the Male' City digitalization project formed part of the council's Strategic Action Plan (SAP). He clarified that the decision to proceed with the project was approved unanimously by the councilors present at the meeting and added that the contractor was selected through a public tender process in accordance with the council's procurement regulations.

Separately, current Mayor Adam Azim has previously alleged that during President Muizzu's tenure as Mayor, the Fish Market was leased to its managing company at a rate below the amount recommended by the Male' City Council's bid committee. In addition, questions have been raised over an agreement related to the development of the Male' Fish Market. Documents indicate that the agreement was signed on November 17, 2023, during the period when the mayoral office was vacant, before Mayor Azim assumed office.