There must be

Running mate of President Dr Mohamed Waheed, Leader of Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) Ahmed Thasmeen Ali has said that there must be ‘unknown goings-on’ involved in City Council leasing land to different groups in Male’.

Speaking at a rally of Forward With The Nation coalition last night, Thasmeen said that City Council even leases lands that are not within its jurisdiction.

“In Male’, even if there is a small empty space, we see people building cafes or restaurants, and in some tiny spaces even two restaurants and a warehouse. What’s the purpose of doing this? We have to think about whether this is done for the betterment of the people of Male’. Empty lands are being leased for 20 or 25 years, and this includes lands that are not even within City Council’s jurisdiction,” said Thasmeen.

He said that the City Council does this not because they wish to do what is best for the people, rather, they are working to protect their own personal interests.

“This is about protecting the interests of some other people, not the general population of Male’ – and this is something the people talk about often now. We have to think about these things. There must be ‘unknown goings-on’ behind the long-term leasing of lands to various groups,” he said.

Thasmeen went on to say that the people of Male’ put their confidence in Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) when they elected members to the City Council, but today, due to the present actions of the City Council, it is no longer easy to trust MDP’s leadership.

The City Council recently leased the western harbour including the t-jetty area in Male’ for a rent of MVR 400,000 per month, for 25 years.

They have also built cafes in the park in Galolhu and established sleeping quarters in the area for workers, and built a café in the park in Maafannu, making these parks unfriendly environments for children.