The Kuwait Fund has a track record of providing aid to various groups and projects in the Maldives. However, one such project, spearheaded by Health Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel’s Abdulla Khaleel Foundation, has come under scrutiny. About six years ago, the foundation embarked on constructing a two-story building at the Atoll Education Center in Faafu Nilandhoo, Dr. Khaleel’s hometown. The building was supposed to significantly improve educational facilities with features like four classrooms, a computer lab, a training room, and a laboratory.
The project proposal submitted to the Kuwait Fund outlined a total cost of $300,000, with a request for $200,000 in funding. Despite the Kuwait Fund releasing the funds, the building remains a stark reminder of broken promises and unfulfilled dreams.
Investigations into the matter have revealed disturbing discrepancies. Financial records, progress reports, and communications from involved parties paint a grim picture of mismanagement and potential corruption.
According to the proposal, a significant portion of the funds was allocated to infrastructure development and essential amenities. However, it appears that a substantial amount of the disbursed funds ended up in Dr. Khaleel’s personal account, raising serious questions about accountability and misuse of funds. Additionally, transfers were made to the accounts of Dr. Khaleel’s relatives and a former MP, suggesting a network of nepotism and favoritism.
The construction company contracted for the project, AIM Construction, conveniently had Dr. Khaleel’s siblings as shareholders, further fueling suspicions of collusion and insider dealings.
Dr. Khaleel’s attempts to justify the transfers to his personal account as currency conversion for local transactions lack credibility, as documented evidence fails to support this claim. Furthermore, discrepancies in project progress reports, where funds were disbursed based on incomplete work, point to a blatant disregard for transparency and accountability.
The project’s halt due to purported funding shortages reeks of mismanagement and incompetence. Despite collecting substantial funds, including deposits from government entities, the project stands as a monument to wasted resources and dashed hopes.
More than six years later, the building serves as a grim reminder of the failures and betrayals inflicted upon the community. It stands as a symbol of corruption and negligence, tarnishing the reputation of those involved and depriving the students of Faafu Nilandhoo of the educational opportunities they were promised.
