Opposition politicians and a newly launched national movement are pressing the government for full disclosure of the commercial terms under which 500 hectares of reclaimed land in Rasmale’ have been allocated to UAE-based Eagle Hills.
A resolution submitted to the People’s Majlis by Galolhu North MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem calls for the government to reveal the agreement signed in September and for parliament to debate the matter. Critics argue that the land was reclaimed with public funds yet is being granted under a 99-year arrangement that may not allow the state to recover reclamation costs.
Former Home Minister Imran Abdulla launched a “Maldivian Land for Maldivians” campaign, saying the movement will continue until the decision is reversed. Religious scholars have also spoken against the project, expressing concern that properties developed on the site could remain under foreign ownership indefinitely through successive transfers.
The government has described the waterfront and marina project as a major investment that could attract substantial foreign capital and create tens of thousands of jobs. It has rejected suggestions that the arrangement poses security risks or facilitates unwanted settlement. The Supreme Court earlier declined to hear a petition seeking to block the deal on constitutional grounds.
Public and political debate over the project has intensified in recent weeks.
