Shahid says undisclosed Rasmale project details could fuel public resentment and deter investors

Former Foreign Minister and former MDP President Abdulla Shahid has urged the government to disclose the full details of the Maldives Waterfront and Marina project planned for Rasmale'.  

Speaking on SSTV’s Baaru Hathareh programme, Shahid said it is estimated that USD 800 million has already been spent on Rasmale', noting that the funds used are taxes collected from the public. He said the government has stated that dredging at the site is for housing, and stressed that the public must be informed if the land is being allocated for any other purpose.

Shahid argued that part of the USD 800 million should have been invested in infrastructure to build housing in already-dredged areas, adding that overcrowded living conditions are not limited to Male' but are widespread across the country. He said many Maldivians would oppose the Maldives Waterfront and Marina project unless the government clarifies the agreement.

“As a Maldivian citizen, I want the government to clarify what is in the deal. If they don’t, people will show animosity towards the big investors coming to Maldives, and then future investors will lose confidence,” he said. Shahid added that no part of the Maldives should be given to foreigners without public knowledge.

The government signed an agreement with Eagle Hills in September to implement the USD 20 billion project, which includes hotels, a marina and shopping malls. Some politicians and activists have raised concerns that Israelis could buy property under the project, though both the government and Eagle Hills have denied such claims.

It is noteworthy that MDP MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem has also submitted a resolution calling for the disclosure of the agreement signed with Eagle Hills. The resolution was moved by MDP Chairman and former President Mohamed Nasheed, who instructed party MPs to keep their remarks aligned with party policy.