Ras Malé project is a deceptive scheme designed to embezzle state revenue: Mauroof

The Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, Mauroof Zakir, has alleged that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s project to reclaim Ras Malé is a front for embezzling state revenue.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Mauroof stated that the ongoing activities under the guise of the Ras Malé reclamation project appear to be a "farce" orchestrated to embezzle state funds.

Mauroof stated that when the previous Parliament passed the 2024 budget, no funds were allocated for the Ras Malé reclamation project. However, he noted that the government, determined to proceed with the reclamation regardless of the funding source, had initially agreed to sell high-value land plots in Hulhumalé to foreign companies. Although public opposition and parliamentary intervention temporarily halted those plans, Mauroof highlighted that the project eventually commenced using approximately MVR 400 million from the state budget.

We eventually came to the realization that the spectacle surrounding the Ras Malé reclamation project is merely a scheme orchestrated by President Muizzu to embezzle state revenue. At the time, when the previous Parliament passed the 2024 budget, no funds had been allocated for the reclamation of Fushidhiggaru Lagoon. In defiance of this, the President insisted he would secure the funds by any means necessary. He subsequently moved to sell high-value land in Hulhumalé to foreign companies, a move that was only halted after public outcry and our efforts to submit the matter to Parliament. Following this, the administration pledged to complete the Ras Malé reclamation within eight months. The project was initiated with a massive state expenditure—if I recall correctly, approximately 400 million Rufiyaa was spent to commence the work.

Mauroof Zakir, Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency.

Mauroof characterized President Muizzu’s Ras Malé project as a mere "vanity project," dismissing the administration's claims that it offers a "total solution" to the housing crisis as a series of hollow promises. He noted that the pledge to establish over 64,000 housing units by the end of the current term would require the completion of 20,000 units annually; however, he emphasized that no tangible progress has been achieved thus far.

Mauroof stated that while current statistics indicate a need to provide 20,000 housing units annually, halfway through the government's term, a significant portion of the Ras Malé reclamation remains incomplete. He further alleged that the government was forced to proceed with the project only after facing public pressure, and is now purportedly spending all of the state's dollar reserves on dredging operations to fill the lagoon.

We calculated these figures at the time. The target was 20,000 flats or housing units per year. However, as of today, we see that even half of that area remains unreclaimed. We are now halfway through the term. It was only after we visited the site and exerted pressure on the administration that they were compelled to elevate the management and progress of the reclamation project. As a result, the government spent millions of dollars to bring in dredgers and equipment, funneling nearly all of the state’s dollar reserves into the Ras Malé project.

Mauroof Zakir, Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency.

Mauroof further stated that if the previous administration's projects in Gulhifalhu and Giraavaru Lagoon had been completed and essential services established, citizens would be able to reside there today. However, he noted that public hope has faded as the current government has stalled these developments.

Mauroof severely criticized the government's policies, stating that the public has lost all hope of beginning a decent life at Ras Malé within the next 10 to 12 years, even if land reclamation is completed and essential services are established.