Villingili residents angry over closure of roads

28 December 2007
Report: Soodh

Villingili resident who wishes to remain anonymous informed Miadhu that some of the residents of the island have expressed their dissatisfaction over the closure of public roads in order to hold Eid festivities.

The anonymous resident speaking to Maidhu via telephone said many in Vilingili were unhappy over the way the Eid festivities were organized and that the residents were faced with many difficulties. He informed that the island has 3 stadiums and 4 special areas designated for such special events. He told Miadhu that in spite of availability of such places, Eid festivities were held on the public roads which necessitated the roads to be closed causing many difficulties for the people. He also even after Eid holidays, music shows were organized on the roads causing sleepless nights for those living in those areas and that these shows were held in 3 areas of the island by 3 groups.

The anonymous person informed Miadhu that the matter of closing the roads was informed to the police. He revealed that as per police the roads were closed with the permission of the Island Office. Anonymous resident complained to Miadhu that Island Office has no right to close roads as they create difficulties to many people. He further informed that when the matter was raised to the Island Office, Island Chief informed them it was his prerogative to do so.

When a group of young people of the island organized a show in the Social Center many people protested anonymous resident told Miadhu. He further said these complaints resulted in closing of a main road the next night and show being organized in the name of Capital City. Consequently other groups of the island picked it up and more roads were closed and shows organized reported the anonymous source.

Island office on the matter informs that shows were initially held in the premises of the Social Center and due to requests of many clubs permission was granted to clubs to hold their shows in their respective wards.

Island Office denies receiving any complaints from any resident due to Eid festivities. Island Office revealed that Eid festivities were held on public roads from time immemorial and was held for every one’s enjoyment.