A top opposition lawmaker on Thursday slammed incumbent president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom over his comment claiming that the Maldives capital was no longer congested.
Speaking during a ceremony to launch a book showcasing national developmental projects during the four years of his government, president Yameen admitted that Male was once congested and over populated with people and traffic.
However, in the past four years, careful and visionary planning by the government has transformed the capital.
Noting the construction of the first 25 storey building in the capital, president Yameen said his government had found space to accommodate mega development projects of such nature.
"When you look around Male you'll see pollution and traffic which are challenges that come with development. But we have found ways to address and minimize them," he explained.
President also said the capital would yet witness the construction of "many" 25 storey buildings which he said was proof that Male had the space.
"By the grace of God we will see many 25 storey buildings with the 2018 presidential elections. This is only possible because we have shown that there is space."
In response to president Yameen's claims, former parliament speaker and North-Henveiru lawmaker Abdulla Shahid on Twitter said the president's statement proves that he was oblivious to the plight of the people living in the capital.
Shahid said most people were "sleeping in shifts" while overpopulation was causing fast spread of disease in the capital.
