PNC MP Mohamed Mustafa Ibrahim has described anyone speaking against the Rasmalé development project as an “enemy” of the Maldives, defending the government’s agreement with UAE-based Eagle Hills and insisting that the project is being carried out transparently.
Mustafa made the remarks during a parliamentary debate on a resolution submitted by MDP MP Mikaeel Ahmed Naseem, who called on the government to disclose the full details of its commercial terms agreement with Eagle Hills, the company tasked with developing Rasmalé.
“ (they) meet with journalists and provide all the information. The government is doing that, and the investor is also meeting with journalists, giving them time and disclosing how this project has been carried out and the agreement that has been reached,” Mustafa said.
Addressing concerns over the 99-year agreement, Mustafa pointed to previous administrations, arguing that long-term land allocations for major development projects were not introduced by the current government.
He said the process began in 2015 under former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, when 750 hectares in Enboodhoo lagoon were allocated for a project valued at USD 40 million.
“ (The land) was leased for 99 years, with the state expecting to receive USD 2 million annually,” Mustafa said, referring to a previous parliamentary decision involving 750 hectares in Noonu Atoll. He added that the project was valued at USD 27 million and that a further 700 hectares in Vaavu Atoll had also been allocated for 99 years for an investment of USD 30 million, with the state again expecting USD 2 million annually.
Mustafa argued that the current government’s proposal involves allocating 500 hectares for 99 years to develop a project valued at USD 20 billion. He claimed the Rasmalé project could generate USD 1.3 billion in annual revenue for the Maldives.
He accused critics of opposing development while overlooking similar land allocations under previous administrations led by Yameen and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He also rejected claims that the government was selling off the sea without public knowledge or parliamentary approval.
“I will repeat this: anyone who speaks against this project is an enemy of the Maldivian people. These are people who do not want development and progress for the Maldives,” Mustafa said.
The resolution submitted by Mikaeel calls for the government to disclose all details of the commercial terms agreement signed with Eagle Hills and for Parliament to establish its position on the matter.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has previously stated that no part of Rasmalé would be given to a foreign party, either on lease or free of charge. However, the resolution raises concerns about the agreement signed on September 21, which its sponsor says the government has yet to make public.
According to the resolution, the government has entered into an arrangement under which land reclamation would be funded by taxpayers, while the state would not recover those costs. It further alleges that more than 500 hectares of reclaimed land have been allocated to Eagle Hills for 99 years without any acquisition costs or lease payments.
The opposition MDP parliamentary group also submitted an emergency motion to Parliament on October 5, calling for greater transparency over the agreement and raising concerns about the allocation of a substantial portion of Rasmalé to the UAE-based company. However, the motion was rejected by the PNC-dominated Parliament.
Eagle Hills Chairman Mohamed Alabbar has said he expects the final detailed agreement for the Maldives Waterfront and Marina project in Rasmalé to be signed on November 11, Republic Day.
