ACC probing allegations linked to Ras Malé project

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into the government's first-ever project, Ras Malé reclamation project or the Fushi Dhiggaru project.

It has been confirmed that the anti-corruption watchdog is probing an issue linked to the project.

The party that filed the case has pinned allegations of corruption, on the execution of the project.

The 'Ras Malé' reclamation project was inaugurated on 18 December 2023.

Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib revealed that over MVR 10.7 billion will be spent on the project. He added that the project would cost at least USD 500 – 700 million.

The administration claims that the cost of the project would increase depending on the depth of the lagoon, the amount of sand required and the distance from which the sand is to be taken.

Some members of the general public alongside members of the opposition, have been accusing that there are acts of corruption behind this project.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu highlighted that Ras Malé will be developed as a city, which will require the reclamation of 1,153 hectares of land. The president went on to reaffirm his pledge to complete the project within eight months following the commencement of the project.

The incumbent administration claims that alleviating the housing crisis faced by the capital city’s residents, is one of their key pledges.

President Muizzu proposed a strategic solution to this issue through the reclamation and subsequent development of Fushi Dhiggaru Lagoon as a city and following its successful completion, it would create a land mass three times the area of the two phases of Hulhumalé.

With this, the project has been dubbed the “most” extensive land reclamation project ever undertaken in the Maldives.

Ras Malé is expected to pave the path for expanded trade and revenue, as well as the formation of more employment opportunities.

President Muizzu earlier shed light on his strategic plan to begin reclamation works in Fushi Dhiggaru within a period of 30 days. As part of the Ras Malé development project, Malé and Ras Malé are to be linked via an underwater tunnel.

He said that the project will proceed as a zero-carbon, safe island concept as per his presidential pledge. He also stressed that the project will be carried out without any state expenditures. No further details of how the project is being funded, were disclosed.

A total of 1,153 hectares of land will be reclaimed from Fushi Dhiggaru Lagoon and once completed, the government is expected to construct 65,000 housing units comprising plots of land and apartments.