The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has announced that it will not take part in the government’s efforts to formulate a 20-year national development plan.
The decision comes in response to a request from Nexia Maldives Pvt Ltd, tasked with consulting stakeholders for the plan. While the MDP acknowledged the importance of a long-term development strategy, the party expressed concerns over the government’s approach, questioning who has been consulted and the transparency of the process.
In its statement, the MDP criticized ongoing projects, such as dredging works and airport constructions, saying many initiatives have either not started or are proceeding without completing existing work. The party also raised concerns over the proposed abolition of Atoll Councils and the relocation of residents, as well as changes to environmental regulations, arguing that these actions show a disregard for constitutional and governance principles.
Given these issues, the MDP said it sees no reason to participate in the planning process at this time.
Meanwhile, the planning team has begun island visits to gather public input. Nexia Maldives, a local consultancy, is responsible for drafting the “Viluntheri Raajje 2045” national development plan, which was officially launched by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on September 17 last year.
The decision comes in response to a request from Nexia Maldives Pvt Ltd, tasked with consulting stakeholders for the plan. While the MDP acknowledged the importance of a long-term development strategy, the party expressed concerns over the government’s approach, questioning who has been consulted and the transparency of the process.
In its statement, the MDP criticized ongoing projects, such as dredging works and airport constructions, saying many initiatives have either not started or are proceeding without completing existing work. The party also raised concerns over the proposed abolition of Atoll Councils and the relocation of residents, as well as changes to environmental regulations, arguing that these actions show a disregard for constitutional and governance principles.
Given these issues, the MDP said it sees no reason to participate in the planning process at this time.
Meanwhile, the planning team has begun island visits to gather public input. Nexia Maldives, a local consultancy, is responsible for drafting the “Viluntheri Raajje 2045” national development plan, which was officially launched by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on September 17 last year.
