The Ministry of Infrastructure's decision to take possession of sand intended for the Hankede Bridge project has sparked controversy, with Addu City Mayor Ali Nizar calling it “uncivilized” and “illegal.” In a post on X on Saturday, Nizar criticized the ministry for taking the sand without prior consultation with the Addu City Council, which had been working to reclaim the sand for local use.

Nizar described the move as a violation of the Decentralization Act, stating that such decisions should be made through proper discussion and in line with established laws and standards. “This is the latest in the attempt to destroy the Decentralization Act. We will not comply with orders made outside of the laws, standards, and policies,” he said, urging for more collaborative decision-making.

The Infrastructure Ministry, led by Dr. Abdulla Muthalib, defended the decision, explaining that the sand was needed for the rebuilding of the Addu Link Road, a key infrastructure project. The ministry pointed out the difficulty in mining sand in Addu City and emphasized that the sand would be used for the redevelopment of vital road infrastructure. “The ministry will not refuse requests by the council if there is a more pressing need for the people of Addu than the redevelopment of the link road,” Muthalib stated.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over the implementation of decentralization policies, a key issue for the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), with which Nizar is affiliated. The Hankede Bridge, a crucial infrastructure project, is a 1.4-kilometer, four-lane detour bridge connecting the Gaukedi and Maradhoo areas of Addu City.