Former Vice President Faisal Naseem has said that the Thilamale' Bridge, initiated by the previous administration, would have been far more beneficial if the funds spent on the Rasmale' reclamation project had instead been directed toward developing Gulhifalhu and Giraavarufalhu.
Speaking at a rally held at the MDP headquarters last night, Faisal emphasised that both MDP administrations had prioritised ensuring housing security for the Maldivian people.
He criticised the current administration for prioritising the Rasmale' reclamation project over the development of Gulhifalhu and Giraavarufalhu since taking office.
"If that money had been spent on the flats and land plots awarded to the residents of the Male' area by the previous MDP government, and on making those plots livable, the Thilamale Bridge—which costs hundreds of millions of dollars—would be yielding its benefits today," Faisal said.
Faisal noted that the bridge's utility remains limited because essential services have not yet been established in Gulhifalhu and Giraavarufalhu, making it impossible for residents to settle in those areas.
He further explained that the MDP’s vision was to reclaim land up to Uthuru Thila Falhu to provide a comprehensive solution to the housing crisis in the Greater Male' region.
"As it stands, the bridge will be built only to be used by lorries or for pulling carts for a very long time," Faisal remarked.
The former Vice President also criticised the Rasmale project’s governance, stating that an agreement for a project of such magnitude should have, at the very least, involved consultations with members of the People’s Majlis.
