Faisal: Thilamale' Bridge Useless Without Housing Development
15 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 08:52Former Vice President Faisal Naseem stated that the Thilamale' Bridge will only reach its full potential once the housing units and land plots allocated by the previous administration are made habitable for residents. He further criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the Rasmale project and urged the government to prioritize public consultation when undertaking major infrastructure developments.
Former Vice President Faisal Naseem addresses a rally held by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). | Raajje MV
Former Vice President Faisal Naseem has stated that the true benefits of the multi-million dollar Thilamale' Bridge can only be realized by facilitating residency for those allocated flats and land plots in the Male' area by the previous administration. He warned that without these measures, the bridge would serve as little more than a route for lorries.
Speaking at an MDP rally held Wednesday night, Faisal stated that the previous administration’s vision for the Thilamale' Bridge was merely a starting point, with plans to extend connectivity beyond Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi to reach Uthuru Thila Falhu. Faisal further emphasized that the full potential of such high-cost infrastructure can only be realized if citizens are able to settle comfortably in these areas with seamless access to their destinations.
Such a massive expenditure is being incurred at a time when it is unnecessary. Had these funds been utilized to develop the flats and land plots allocated by the previous MDP administration to the residents of the Male' area and the Maldivian people, and to make those plots habitable, the public would have truly benefited from the Thilamale' Bridge, which is costing hundreds of millions of dollars. As it stands, the bridge will be completed only to serve lorries or handcarts for an extended period, rather than fulfilling its intended purpose for the people.Faisal Naseem
However, Faisal criticized the Fushidhiggaru Falhu reclamation project, stating that current developments are not proceeding in that direction.
Faisal stated that the agreements for such a large-scale project were finalized abruptly by a small group of individuals, adding that the details and progress of the Ras Malé project, being developed at Fushidhiggaru Falhu, remain shrouded in secrecy.
Faisal stated that when undertaking large-scale projects worth billions of dollars, it is essential to seek the counsel of the People's Majlis and the public. He emphasized that such initiatives must be carried out in a manner that best serves the interests of the nation and its citizens at this time.
