The opposition-led coalition has alleged the newly announced sale of 19 plots from Male' for highest bidder as a "desperate" act of acquiring budget to pay off employee salaries. Stating the land transactions should not be accepted.
"Seeking investment to boost productivity of Maldives, while hefty loans being taken without proper feasible assessment, has resulted in government budget allocated for employee remuneration being washed out" the statement released by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) - representing the coalition - read.
The opposition also suspects lands and plots from Male' is sold below registered valuation of the property with significant proportions of corrupt activities involved in it. The statement also urged the government not to proceed with the sale of lands and plots amid a time when several discrepancies attached to the government funds are rising.
Furthermore, the opposition had also highlighted the congestion of the capital with spiking rent rates at apartments and buildings throughout Male', adding such a hassled act would only serve to further elevate the issue - resulting in serious rent price bumps.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday (August 17), Housing Minister Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said several plots in Male' are planned to be transformed into public spots, all falling under a preconceived plan of infrastructural development. He also added that the land values and real estate prices have increased due to this.
Earlier, Chairperson of MDP, Hassan Latheef criticized the nepotistic approach in procuring or leasing land plots in Male' by the incumbent president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's government. He also condemned the high level of corruption involved in such transactions.
Latheef advised buyers and bidders purchasing land plots under the current regime to properly evaluate if such transactions are laced with corruption.
"This is a devised plan of attaining financial benefit to his [Yameen] aides and himself before the current regime ends. A shady scheme of procuring money to state coffers in an attempt to replenish the low cash flow in the government" Latheef said.
Furthermore Latheef pointed out the corruption and illegitimate manner through islands and resorts have been leased on a long term, thus such properties would be reclaimed by the coalition-led opposition's government.
