Thoddoo Council spent a disproportionately high amount on the island’s 2023 Adha Eid celebrations, the council audit report shows.
Thoddoo, known for its agriculture and tourism, traditionally marks Eid with large community festivities. In 2023, the island hosted a music show featuring numerous artists, alongside other celebratory events.
The audit notes that state financial rules require offices and their departments to reduce expenditure and operate in line with prescribed financial procedures. However, auditors found that the council did not consider cost‑cutting measures when planning the 2023 Eid festivities.
According to the report, the council spent MVR 719,742 on the celebrations, of which MVR 509,742 came directly from the council budget. This amounted to 8.4 percent of the council’s 2023 expenditure, excluding salaries, from block grants and council revenue, a level the audit described as “relatively large.”
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed visit AA. Thoddoo island and attend traditional lunch hosted by women of the island, June 28, 2023. (Photo/President's Office)
Breakdown of Thoddoo Council’s 2023 Adha Eid spending:
Contractor for Eid activities and music show – MVR 205,500  
Fireworks – MVR 57,307  
Travel expenses for artists and crew – MVR 83,475  
Accommodation for artists and crew – MVR 76,000  
Meals for artists and crew – MVR 18,460  
Transport of materials to and from Thoddoo – MVR 37,500  
Other expenses – MVR 34,500
The audit states that the event‑organizing company was awarded a contract on June 7, 2023, for MVR 270,000. After deducting 25 percent, the company was paid MVR 202,500.
However, auditors found that the council also transferred MVR 210,000, received as aid for Eid celebrations, to the same company. This resulted in the company receiving more than the agreed contract amount.
The Audit Office has urged authorities to comply with state financial rules, reduce unnecessary expenditure, and strengthen financial discipline. It also recommended recovering the additional MVR 210,000 paid to the company and crediting it back to council revenue.