MDP raises concerns over Rasmale' project: Work will not be completed in 2 terms

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliament members have expressed significant doubt regarding the timely completion of the Rasmale' housing project, the largest initiative of the current government, citing the slow pace of dredging in the Fushidhiggaru lagoon. They contend the project will not be finished even within two terms of the current administration.

The reclamation of Rasmale' commenced on December 18, 2023, with an initial eight-month completion target. The first agreement for the project was signed with Sri Lanka's Capital Marine and Civil Construction (CMCC), but this contract was later terminated by the government, which aimed to proceed without allocating land to the contractor. Consequently, the reclamation work has experienced intermittent halts for various reasons.

A delegation of MDP members visited the site on Sunday to assess the project's progress, briefing the media at the dredging location. Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir stated that MDP's efforts to obtain project details from parliament have been unsuccessful for nearly two years since reclamation began.

He emphasized that the government was elected on a platform of hope and a promise of a "future" in Rasmale'.

Mauroof Zakir reported that only approximately 100 hectares had been dredged, and discussions with workers revealed concerns about inadequate salaries and allowances.

MDP's parliamentary group leader and Hithadhoo South MP Ibrahim Nazil highlighted that the government's request for MVR 1.35 billion for Rasmale's reclamation was not included in the 2024 budget due to an incomplete response from the government regarding the project's public benefit.

He further noted rumors that the project might be financed through a special budget, involving the long-term lease of reclaimed land from Hulhumale' and a significant portion of the Fushidhiggaru lagoon to the contractor, rather than utilizing the state budget.

"Now we hear that the project will be financed by the people's money," Ibrahim Nazil stated. "They said they would do it within eight months. Eight months have passed and another eight months have passed. Two-eight months, 16 months have been completed, and up to 20 percent of the project is yet to take off."

Hussain Ziyadh, MDP Parliamentary Group Deputy Leader and Vaikaradhoo Constituency Member, stressed the need for expedited work for people to inhabit Rasmale', asserting that at the current rate, the city would not be dredged within two terms.

He expressed hope that the MDP's visit would prompt the government to accelerate the work, observing that project speed often increases closer to elections or when public scrutiny arises.

While dredging for Rasmale' began on December 18, 2023, with an eight-month completion timeframe, the project only resumed on November 10, 2024, after considerable delays.

The government plans to acquire 1,153 hectares of land through dredging the Fushidhiggaru lagoon, with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announcing plans for 30,000 housing units. The government had planned to allocate MVR 600 million for the Rasmale' project in 2025 and another MVR 350 million in 2026.