The HDC has responded to criticism over its decision to sell 50 plots of land from the second phase of Thilafushi for industrial purposes.
HDC earlier announced that an area of 150 hectares would be dredged from Thilafushi, and 50 plots from the dredged area would be sold for industrial purposes. The land would be sold to both locals and foreigners. While locals can own the land, the plots would be leased to foreigners for 99 years.
The announcement met with criticism from the public, with opposing political parties expressing concern about the decision to lease the land for long-term for foreigners through tender. Opposition PNC's Maduvveri MP Adam Shareef also moved an emergency motion in Parliament calling for an end to the sale of land to foreigners. However, the motion was rejected by the Parliament.
In a press release issued Wednesday, the HDC said 90 percent of the land would be sold to Maldivians. Although 10 percent is allocated for foreign businesses, they will have to comply with the existing rules and regulations, said HDC.
The statement noted that Thilafushi was not a Special Economic Zone.
The HDC said foreign businesses would not affect the activities of local businesses such as fishing and agriculture. The HDC has also said that the land allocated to foreign businesses will create many job opportunities for locals.
