Hulhumale' South MP Ahmed Shamheed has called for an immediate halt to the Rasmalé project managed by the UAE’s Eagle Hills, as well as the Ayla Township development in Noonu Atoll.
Speaking on a resolution submitted by Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem, Shamheed asserted that the government made a grave error by converting land in Noonu Atoll, leased for resort development, into a residential township for foreigners.
"The Maldivian people must be aware that such a project is currently underway in Noonu Atoll. That project must also be halted alongside this one. That land was allocated for a resort, and it must be reverted back to a resort project," Shamheed said.
Furthermore, Shamheed highlighted that while the state is spending $500 million to reclaim land being handed over to a foreign entity for free, the agreement lacks a clear mechanism for the state to recover its investment.
"While $500 million of public funds is being spent on reclamation, there is no precedent in Maldivian history where land has been given away for free to either a local or a foreigner. This agreement is filled with nothing but vague and unreliable terms," he said.
Shamheed added that the public opposes the Rasmalé project because it does not want to see parts of Maldivian territory carved up and permanently handed over to foreign parties. He further characterised the government’s "Pearl Residency" visa program—which grants residency to foreigners who purchase real estate—as a threat to national security and state sovereignty.
Shamheed had previously submitted a resolution to Parliament calling for an immediate halt to these activities. However, the resolution was rejected by a majority vote of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) lawmakers.
