The Mohamed Muizzu administration’s largest project thus far, the development of Ras Malé, will be scrutinised by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). An investigation has been launched, ACC Media Officer, Hassan Manik, confirmed to local media citing a submission to the state’s anti-corruption watchdog regarding the reclamation being carried out for the project at Fushidiggarufalhu.
The investigation, which is in its preliminary stages, will look into allegations of corruption in the implementation of the project, ACC said.
“While the case is being investigated, documents related to the project will be obtained from the relevant agencies at the initial stage,” Manik said.
The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) had earlier alleged that the dredging component involved MVR70 billion worth corruption. MDP said it was surprising that ACC was not looking into the matter. Former President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayoom had also expressed similar concerns.
While the administration is looking to reclaim 1,153 hectares of land at Fushidiggarufalhu for the Ras Malé project, the contractor, Sri Lanka’s Capital Marine and Construction Company (CMCC), is set to be compensated for its work via land sales from Hulhumalé and Ras Malé.
CMCC will receive a total of 70 hectares as compensation for its work; 10 hectares from Hulhumalé and 60 hectares from Ras Malé.