City Council gives misleading information: Housing Ministry

Housing Ministry has said that City Council gives misleading information to the public regarding the issues of Dharubaaruge and Huravee building.

In a statement released by Housing Ministry last night, they said that Dharubaaruge was transferred back to Housing Ministry under article 4 (b) of local council act, and following the cabinet’s decision that the state can reclaim areas for economic, social and security purposes which are part of the government policy.

“…based on the aforementioned regulation and following the cabinet discussion held on 27 March, the decision was made to transfer Dharubaaruge to this ministry; this ministry and Male’ City Council were informed of this decision by President’s Office,” indicates the statement.

Housing Ministry said that following President’s Office transferring the mandate of Dharubaaruge to Housing Ministry and also the transfer of civil service employees to the ministry by Civil Service Commission - Dharubaaruge was locked up during official working hours, and the employees working there were sent home.

“…the ministry made the request from City Council on two occasions, to hold discussions on the arrangements to be made following the transfer of employees to this ministry, but was not met with a reasonable response from City Council,” reads the statement.

Regarding Huravee building, the statement stated that City Council refused to cooperate when a ministry team approached them about setting up two new ministries as required by the government, following which City Council was asked to vacate the eastern and western blocks of Huravee building.

“…these spaces were already locked up, with signs on the doors that the offices had been moved to another location. Following our request to vacate these premises, City Council told the media that this ministry obstructs public service provided by City Council – which is a purposeful attempt to mislead the public on this issue,” the statement reads.

They also said that City Council’s claims that the transfer of Dharubaaruge and the request to vacate parts of Huravee building would obstruct public services provided by City Council are baseless and untrue.