Previous gov't had leased the same island, to three different parties: minister

The previous administration had leased the same island to three different parties, says Tourism Minister Ali Waheed.

At a press conference held on Monday, the minister said that Fushidhiggaa island in Alifu Dhaalu atoll was leased to three different parties after completing all required procedures through the ministry.

Emphasizing that “this is one asset,” Waheed stated that payments were taken from all three. As such, USD 350,000 was taken from one while over USD one million was taken from another.

While the current administration has been facing criticism for the speed of its work, he questioned on how their work could be any faster with such dealings carried out by the previous administration.

He criticized the opposition for claims that the current administration is robbing the people, highlighting that this is how they had conducted business during President Abdulla Yameen’s five-year tenure.

In addition, the minister stated that this administration “will not do anything in a way that could violate a person’s right,” stressing that all work will be conducted “as per laws and regulations.”