MP Shakir: Government Must Disclose Ras Male' Project Details After Publicly Funded Fushidhiggaru Reclamation
12 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހޯމަ 09:45MP Shakir has asserted that the Maldives' current dollar shortage and rising cost of living are direct consequences of allocating state funds to the Ras Male' project. Expressing concern over the suspension of various island development projects, he noted that the Ras Male' initiative is estimated to cost approximately 800 million MVR. Consequently, Shakir called for greater transparency and demanded that the government provide the public with comprehensive details regarding the project.
Member Ahmed Shakir speaks during the "Dhivehinge Bin Dhivehinnah" coverage. | Raajje MV
Ahmed Shakir, the Member of Parliament for the Maavah constituency, has stated that the reclamation of Fushidhiggaru Lagoon was funded by public money and that the government must provide full transparency to the citizens regarding the progress and details of the Ras Male' project.
Speaking during RaajjeTV’s "Dhivehinge Bin Dhivehinnah" coverage, MP Shakir stated that the hardships currently faced by the public are evident even in basic financial transactions, such as transferring funds from the Bank of Maldives (BML) to the Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) or requesting Telegraphic Transfers (TT). He further noted that these difficulties clearly underscore the ongoing dollar shortage in the country.
Shakir stated that the country has reached its current state because the government has been funneling state funds into the Fushidhiggaru Lagoon reclamation project since its inception. Furthermore, MP Shakir asserted that all the difficulties currently faced by citizens in their daily lives stem from the Ras Male' project.
MP Shakir noted that while significant funds are being allocated to the Ras Male' reclamation project, the public is deeply concerned that projects initiated across various islands by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration have come to a standstill, with no new development activities currently taking place in the islands.
Up to this point, all Maldivian citizens have been involved in this matter, whether by choice or otherwise. Yet, suddenly, a group of concerned citizens is demanding an explanation of what is truly happening. They are calling for transparency regarding the details of these proceedings. However, without any clarification being provided, we remain in the dark—not even knowing if we will be able to recover the funds we have already invested.Ahmed Shakir
Member of Parliament Shakir highlighted discrepancies in the figures provided by government ministers regarding the reclamation costs for Ras Male', stating his estimation that approximately 800 million Rufiyaa has already been spent on the project.
MP Shakir stated that the public is raising questions regarding the Ras Male' project, seeking clarity on its nature, the progress being made, and the specific revenue it is expected to generate for the state.
