Gasim hits back at Yameen: ‘Muizzu not a tyrant like you’
Gasim rejected the claims, saying delays in the airport’s development were due to government actions.
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Villa Group Chairman Gasim Ibrahim has said the company accepted compensation from the government for the takeover of GDh. Kaadedhdhoo Airport, adding that President Mohamed Muizzu would act within the legal framework, unlike former President Abdulla Yameen.
Villa was awarded the contract to develop and operate the airport, but Yameen recently criticised the government for offering compensation despite little progress at the site. Speaking at a PNF rally on Thursday, Yameen accused successive governments of treating the airport as a “heritage property” for Gasim.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Gasim rejected the claims, saying delays in the airport’s development were due to government actions. He added that Villa had proposed to hand over the airport under fair terms, considering the work carried out, investments made and costs incurred.
According to Gasim, the government offered two counter-options: a payment of USD 18 million (MVR 277 million) or an 18-month tax adjustment for Villa companies. Villa accepted one of the options and confirmed legal consent to the agreement, though Gasim did not specify which was chosen.
Gasim also criticised Yameen personally, alleging that his remarks aimed to discredit him and Villa. He recalled past incidents involving his family during Yameen’s presidency and accused the former president of targeting opponents unfairly.
The government is seeking to reclaim Kaadedhdhoo Airport to deliver on President Muizzu’s pledge of an international airport in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Villa had earlier sought USD 21 million in compensation, but the state offered a lower figure.
Villa Air was first awarded the contract to develop and operate the regional airport in 2013 during Yameen’s administration. The agreement was annulled in 2017 but reinstated in 2021 after a Supreme Court ruling found the cancellation unlawful.
