Concerns surfaced that the process is being manipulated to unfairly award the project to a specific party. This, in turn prompted a formal complaint to be filed with the anti-corruption watchdog.
Former State Minister at the Home Ministry and a current member of the National Congress of MDP Ahmed “Maaz” Saleem
At a time the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has issued a call for Expressions of Interest for a luxury housing development on a 1.3 million square feet plot in Hulhumalé Phase II and concerned have surfaced regarding the process, a case has been lodged at the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
Concerns surfaced that the process is being manipulated to unfairly award the project to a specific party. This, in turn prompted a formal complaint to be filed with the anti-corruption watchdog.
The complaint was submitted by former State Minister at the Ministry of Home Affairs and a current member of the National Congress of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Ahmed “Maaz” Saleem.
The deadline for submitting Expressions of Interest to identify a developer was set at just six days, with bids required by 12pm on December 25. Saleem highlighted that this is the largest land parcel ever designated in the Maldives for a luxury housing project, noting that a development of such scale requires a significantly longer and more reasonable preparation period.
He stated that the circumstances indicate negligence in the management of state assets and suggest the presence of corruption.
Saleem pointed out that major corporations involved in similar large-scale developments have raised concerns, stating that it is not feasible to complete technical studies, financial assessments, and comprehensive bid documentation for a project of this magnitude within six days. He argued that accelerating the process in breach of established procedures and principles, while allocating a 1.3 million square feet plot in one of the most valuable locations in Hulhumalé, creates conditions conducive to theft and corruption and would lead to severe and irreversible losses for the state.
He further warned that awarding the project to a predetermined party would prevent the state from obtaining fair value for the land and would damage the confidence of international investors in the Maldivian market.
Saleem also questioned the timing of the announcement, noting that the project was introduced with an unusually short deadline at a time when local council elections are approaching and state-owned enterprises are frequently engaging in actions that enable corruption.
He alleged that the six-day submission window was deliberately structured to ensure the project is awarded to a specific party, with the intention of unlawfully generating funds to influence the outcome of the local council elections.
Saleem concluded that the matter reflects blatant negligence in safeguarding state assets and the abuse of authority and influence for personal gain.
