Owner of PNC office building says she was fined despite obtaining construction permits from council

The owner of the building that houses the ruling PNC’s new office says she was fined despite having obtained the required construction permits from the Male' City Council.

Male' City Mayor Adam Azim told Sun on Saturday that the PNC office in H. Veyovilaage was built without the necessary permits, and that the council fined the owner MVR 128,000 on December 25 for the violation.

However, the owner, Shafee’a Zubair, rejected the claim on Sunday, saying she had applied for and received permission from the council before construction began. She said she later sought approval again after deciding to change the building’s drawings.

“The council gave me the documents they needed, and the changes that needed to be made. I asked for the drawings and the changes that needed to be made. Then they say it doesn’t meet the timeline,” she said, adding that she still has the permits issued by the council.

The PNC began using the hall in early July 2024. The space was previously occupied by The Democrats. Following renovations, the building was expanded to five floors and was officially inaugurated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

The office, which faces the Artificial Beach area, features a large LED screen on its exterior wall. The screen is used to display party information and broadcast major events.

The PNC is currently the largest political party in the Maldives. According to the Election Commission, the party has 74,048 registered members and aims to reach 100,000.