Former President Nasheed pledges to link Male

Maldivian Democratic Party’s presidential candidate Mohamed Nasheed has pledged to link Male’, Hulhule’, Gulheefalhu, Thilafalhu and Vilingili to relieve the congestion faced by the capital Male’.

Speaking at a MDP campaign event in Henveryru-central last night, the former president said that it is crucial for Male’ to see proper development because all aspirations of the Maldivian people are linked to the capital.

He said that the Male’ congestion issue will be solved once the reclamation work of Hulhumale’, Gulheefalhu and Thilafushi are complete.

“12,000 housing plots are needed to solve the congestion issue faced by Male’. I predict we can find 12,000 housing plots from these areas. We can get more than 12,00 when Hulhumale’, Gulheefalhu and Thilafushi are reclaimed, to find space. Our aim is to join Male’-Hulhule’, Male’-Vilingili, Gulheefalhu and Thilafalhu, to join all these area with a road that spans from edge of Guraavaru sea,” former President Nasheed said.

Such a project is not impossible for the Maldives, he said, and that it would require about $100 million. He said that the project will be carried out through a public-private partnership and it can also be funded by selling the lands reclaimed from Hulhumale’ and Thilafalhu.

Details of the project will be included in MDP’s full manifesto, Nasheed said.

Reflection on the condition of the streets of Male’, the former president said that the capital’s roads have become difficult to use and noted that they need prompt reconstruction.

Nasheed pledged that a MDP government would modernize the roads of Male’ through reconstruction.

Speaking of his rivals for the presidential race, the former president said that he was saddened by the news that President Waheed had decided to compete as an independent. He said that it is uncertain whether President Waheed will be able to gain the 1500 signatures, a pre-requisite for an independent candidate to enter the presidential race.

He wishes for President Waheed to compete in the election, he said, and confidently stated that he will defeat the president through the first round of voting.

Former President Nasheed reiterated his first campaign promise, that he will ensure that his name is included in the list of presidential candidates for the upcoming election.