Defense Minister Colonel (retired) Mohamed Nazim urges the nation not to perceive the Male’ Water Crisis Management Fund to be political.
Speaking during a press conference held today، Nazim said the fund was not opened for purpose of acquiring money for unlawful purposes and donations are not forced. He stated that even if no one was willing to donate، the water crisis will be solved.
“The fund was not opened for any unlawful gains، it is opened to provide an opportunity for anyone interested to contribute for the cause، I advise everyone not to perceive this in a political manner، especially from political members، this is not a political cause but a national cause” Nazim stated.
Moreover، Nazim said that even if the citizens are unaware، the water which is being distributed to the people on a continuous manner is coming under government’s expenses. He added “There are interested parties willing to donate to the fund، which is one main reason why we opened it at the first place، it is not important for every citizen to donate to the fund”.
Nazim also added that wealthy individuals have been requesting to open up a window for them to donate for the cause and thus it is the reason for opening the fund، and not for any personal gain of the government and it’s officials، and the reason for opening a fund is to proceed with the donations in a transparent manner.
“We will come to a solution regarding the water crisis issue، even if no one is willing to give us any financial aids or donations، but we opened the fund upon continuous requests from many individuals who are ecstatic about donating for a good cause” he said، adding “fund is not opened for the provision or procurement of the panel boards required for MWSC، but a lot of expenses are accounted for day to day operations، and as you all are well aware with the involvement of MNDF، Police and other government agencies، the day to day expenses spend on the crisis is also a huge amount”.
Defense Minister Nazim stated that amid the crisis a lot of foreign countries are extending their assistance and aid for the cause، but Maldives will not force any nation to help us، as we would request for assistance given their capability.
“Countries with technical expertise will be requested to assist us in technical fields، countries willing to assist in other relevant fields will be requested as such” Minister Nazim stated.
He also noted that during such a tense time، what is important is not where the aid and assistance comes، but to provide the citizens of Maldives what they require the most currently.