Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said a future government led by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) will not honour secret agreements involving the allocation of land to foreign companies under the Rasmalé project.

Speaking at the opening of the MDP Congress, Solih expressed concern over the Government’s agreement with Abu Dhabi-based Eagle Hills, questioning the benefits to the State and the public.

He said the Government had spent around USD 700 million in public funds to reclaim land at Fushi Dhiggaru Falhu, and questioned the decision to allocate 500 hectares of valuable land to a foreign company without charge.

Solih said the MDP supported foreign investment and policies such as residency visas, but stressed that the terms of the Rasmalé project must be made public. He called on the Government and Eagle Hills to disclose the agreement, warning that the MDP Congress would otherwise have to call for its cancellation.

Responding to allegations over the previous government’s lease of an island in Vaavu Atoll, Solih said the arrangement generated USD 43 million in revenue for the State. He added that the company had reclaimed land for an airport at its own expense, describing the project as beneficial to residents of the atoll.

Solih also claimed that the current Government’s decision to designate an island in Noonu Atoll, previously leased for airport development, as a Special Economic Zone and provide tax incentives had resulted in the loss of potential State revenue.