Male’ City Council has publicly backed the National Movement campaigning against the Rasmale’ development agreement.
Former Home Minister Imran Abdulla said the council had given its full support to the movement, which is calling for a referendum on the deal with Eagle Hills. The movement, also known as Maldivian Land for Maldivians, was launched to oppose the allocation of land reclaimed under the Rasmale’ project to a foreign company.
Eagle Hills signed commercial terms on 21 September for a large waterfront and residential development on approximately 500 hectares. Critics argue the arrangement hands long-term control of publicly reclaimed land to a foreign developer without a public vote.
The council’s endorsement adds institutional support to the campaign, which has also attracted the backing of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party and other groups. Organisers have postponed a planned mass protest to 13 November to allow wider participation.
The government maintains that the project will generate significant economic returns and housing opportunities. The council’s position reflects ongoing local concern in the Greater Male’ area over the future use of reclaimed land.