Mayor Azim: We will not honor agreements made to grant Ras Male' land to foreign parties
8 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 08:02Male' City Mayor Adam Azim has criticized the Ras Male' project, stating that leasing land to a foreign company for 99 years undermines the public interest. Highlighting concerns over potential corruption and lack of transparency, the Mayor asserted that diverting funds intended for essential services toward such projects is unacceptable.
Male' City Mayor Adam Azim speaking during Thursday's episode of the "Fashaairu" program. | Raajje MV
Male' City Mayor Adam Azim has stated that non-Muslims will not be allowed to settle in the Maldives, asserting that he will not honor agreements to lease large areas of Ras Male' to foreign companies for 99 years.
Speaking on Thursday's "Fashaairu" program, Mayor Azim stated that any agreement regarding the allocation of a large portion of Ras Male' to Eagle Hills for 99 years is unacceptable if it undermines the interests of the Maldivian people. He further asserted that he would never respect such agreements, which he claims were made by misleading the public on numerous fronts.
Azim noted that the previous MDP administration had reclaimed significant land in Gulhifalhu, Giraavarufalhu, and Hulhumale' Phase 3 to address the housing crisis. He criticized the current government for diverting funds intended for essential services in those areas—such as water, sewerage, electricity, schools, hospitals, and mosques—to develop a new project called Ras Male'. He argued that reclaiming a vast area that is not currently needed, at the expense of these vital services, is an act of negligence toward the citizens.
Azim stated that it is unacceptable to grant free land from Ras Male' to foreign entities at the expense of the public's healthcare and other essential needs. He clarified that the construction of 5,000 housing units in the area is not being done for free; according to available information, these units are being funded by the 10 percent revenue the government receives from the sale of properties developed at the site. Furthermore, Azim accused the government of deceiving the public by claiming the reclamation project was intended for the construction of 25,000 housing units.
Furthermore, Azim alleged that the project is mired in corruption and embezzlement. He questioned why the contract was awarded to a third party through sub-contracting instead of directly to MTCC, noting that MTCC’s own vehicles and resources were utilized when the work commenced. Azim further stated that this project is leading the Maldivian people into a deep abyss.
