I had no choice but to get off Fonadhoo – SH Councilor

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Shaviyani Atoll Councilor Abdul Hanaan has said that he left the atoll capital, Fonadhoo, on Wednesday because he had absolutely no other option.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily, he said residents of the islands protested outside his office on Wednesday night and complained about two issues, that is, non payment of the electricity bill of the Atoll Office and about laying off some Atoll Office employees.

Explaining why he had not paid the electricity bill, Hanaan said that Atoll Maldives Energy Authority had made billings at a higher than the normal rate. He added that even if this was the case, he had asked the budget section, owing to the special arrangements made by the government, to make the payment 2 days before the protest. Hanaan also said that some residents were very much aware of it.

Hanaan also made clarifications about the allegation that he was responsible for sacking some Atoll Office employees. He said that some residents wrongly believed that the office sacked employees upon his recommendation. Hanaan said he had informed the residents that this was done by the recommendation of the Civil Service and not him.

Shaviyani Atoll Councilor Hanaan said that the protestors outside his office threatened that they will harm if he does not get off the island and that they also demanded that he should not make any calls to anyone.

Hanaan said that the protest began at 0830 in the evening of Wednesday night and that he patiently waited till 1100 hoping the protestors would change their mind.

“I got off the island after I spoke to Home Ministry and they gave me the green light to go ahead. I left because I feared for my safety. I can’t serve the people in a state of psychological fear.” Hanaan added that he does not believe that he should stay in that island with protection of security forces and that it was best to leave when residents did not want him there.

Since Thursday, Shaviyani Atoll Office has been closed. The service that was provided from the atoll office has since been provided by Shaviyani Milandhoo office as Atoll Councilor is now in that island.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily, a resident of Fonadhoo said that residents of Fonadhoo are by and large well mannered people and that such an incident had never taken in the island. This resident said that since democracy is in its infancy in Maldives, this protest was planned with the backing of some political party.

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