News

ACC probe case related to Rasmale’ project

Published

2 months ago

29/03/2024

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into a case related to the current administration’s largest housing project, ‘Rasmale’.

ACC’s Spokesperson confirmed that an investigation was underway, however, did not disclose any further information as it is an ongoing investigation.

Main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has alleged Rasmale’ project to be an MVR 70 billion corruption.

Speaking as the party’s parliamentary spokesperson at a press conference last Monday, Kendhikulhudhoo MP Ahmed Easa said the government has agreed to grant 70 hectares of land to Sri Lanka’s Capital Marine and Civil Construction (CMC) in exchange for the land reclamation of Fushidhiggaru lagoon to develop the new island.

“We have been telling repeatedly that this involves a shocking degree of corruption,” Easa said.

The MP further said the lowest rate for a land transaction from Greater Male’ region is MVR 6,500 per square foot, while beachfront plots from Hulhumale’ Phase II were sold around MVR 10,200 per square foot around the culmination of the previous government.

“Even by factoring the lowest rate for a land value, the total would be between MVR 70- to MVR 100 billion,” Easa explained the value of the alleged 70 hectares land sanctioned for CMC.

He said the opposition party was not making up lies, and added their claims can be validated by inspecting the recent history of land transactions and sale prices.

He called upon ACC to investigate the case as well.

Earlier, parliament Vice Speaker Ahmed Saleem submitted an extraordinary motion seeking answers on the project. The motion claimed current adminstration has not disclosed the project cost or other details including how it commissioned a dredger for reclamation.

While the state is expected to allocate MVR 600 million for the project in the 2025 State Budget, another MVR 350 million would be allocated in the following year’s budget.

Although Rasmale’ is among the most ambitious plans of the current adminstration, MDP opposes the initiative.

The opposition party argues the money allocated for Rasmale’ project should be better redirected on completing Gulhifalhu and Giraavarufalhu development initiatives.

Source(s): sun.mv

News

India denies claims by Maldivian government on unpermitted operation

Published

10 hours ago

14/05/2024

India has denied the claims made by Maldivian Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon last week, alleging Indian military pilots had carried out an operation in the Maldives without the necessary permits.

The High Commission of India in the Maldives released a statement on Tuesday, stating that Indian aviation platforms in the Maldives have always operated as per the agreed procedures and with due authorization.

On the contrary, while speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Minister Ghassan said he had knowledge of one of the aviation platforms undertaking an unpermitted trip. He went onto detail an incident where one of the Indian-operated helicopters landed in Th. Thimaraushi, allegedly without permission – a case which he said was reviewed by the Parliament’s Committee on National Security Services (241 Committee), when he had been a lawmaker.

Referencing the remarks by the Minister, the High Commission said the particular incident which saw an emergency landing at Thimarafushi on October 9th, 2019, was “necessitated due to an unforeseen exigency”.

They added that the landing was carried out after taking necessary on-ground approvals from Air Traffic Control (ATC) to ensure the safety and security of the platform and crew.

Source(s): sun.mv

News

Maldives calls for strong measures to maintain tuna stocks at IOTC

Published

10 hours ago

14/05/2024

The Maldives has called for strong measures to sustain tuna stocks at the 28th session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).

A high-level delegation from the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources is attending the five-day session in Bangkok, Thailand. It will address various issues related to the sustainability of tuna stocks in the Indian Ocean.

The Maldives is advocating for member states to prioritise the sustainability of tuna stocks, focusing on the adoption of strong management measures for drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) and shark conservation. Additionally, the Maldives will push for the implementation of a management procedure for skipjack tuna.

During the session, the Maldives emphasised the need for science-based management plans to protect against threats to fisheries and to enhance the restoration and management of tuna stocks. The Maldives also aims for the IOTC to lead Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) in adopting science-based conservation and management measures, reflecting the nation’s dedication to the well-being of coastal communities and the health of tuna stocks.

The IOTC is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for managing tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean.

Source(s): PsmNews

News

Maldives to seek UK’s assistance to develop finance sector

Published

10 hours ago

14/05/2024

Maldivian Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, on Monday, traveled to the United Kingdom (UK) to attend the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Roundtable.

According to the Economic Ministry, the purpose of the Minister’s visit is to seek assistance from the participants of UK financial sector in order to develop a vibrant financial market in the Maldives, which the Ministry states is vital for the nation’s economic and social development.

The discussions held by the Minister in this regard will center on the development of Maldives International Financial Services Authority and Development Bank.

In this regard, the Economic Ministry said the visit will pave the way to establish formal working relationships with UK financial services firms on modernizing legal framework, financial sector infrastructure and the development of a modern and world-class governance strategy and operations for the establishment of international financial centres in the Maldives.

Minister Saeed, as part of these efforts, will meet UK government officials, members of the House of Lords and representatives from the UK financial and professional services industry in the course of the visit.

Source(s): sun.mv