Protest against MTDC regarding Uligam City Hotel issue

A protest was held last night in Ha. Uligam against the more than two year disruption of the construction of City Hotel by MTDC.

President of Uligam Council Imad Abdulla said today that the island youth held the protest in an attempt to bring to the government’s attention, the fact that MTDC had acted in violation of the agreement made between MTDC and the former Island Committee.

He said that four years after the land was leased to MTDC for the construction of the City Hotel, two years have passed by with no work done. He also said that the green zone, marked to separate the City Hotel and residential areas of the island, is being controlled by MTDC.

“A peaceful protest was held against this issue. They called for the recommencement of the construction of the City Hotel and for the handing over of the green zone to Uligam residents. The participants ended the protest when the police came and spoke with them,” Imad said.

Imad said that MTDC controls a larger area than what was leased to them for the construction of the City Hotel, to which the islanders have no access, as they have built a gate and a fence around it. He also said that even though the protesters put a lock on the gate, Police negotiated with them to have the lock removed. The area is now under police surveillance.

“The agreement compels the existence of a green zone between the resort area and residential area. The agreement says that this area should be kept free of any type of employment. However, MTDC controls this area and uses it to store their vehicles and other equipment. The temporary accommodation shelters are also built within the green zone. These things are in conflict with the law,” Imad said.

Council President said that no response was received from MTDC regarding the three months’ deadline for them to clear up the green zone.

“They have dug massive holes in the ground to bury trash, cut down many trees, even constructed a road in the area.”

He said that the case has now been submitted to the Environment Protection Agency as well.

Furthermore, he said that more than thirty people were laid off work when the construction was disrupted.

Imad said that the islanders’ wish now is for MTDC to hand over the area to the residents, pack up their equipment and leave the island.

Sun Online’s attempt to obtain MTDC’s word on this issue was unsuccessful.