MDP claims Maniyafushi leased without bidding process
He said the issue had raised concerns among the public, adding that decisions of this nature should be made transparently.
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The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Monday accused the government of leasing K. Maniyafushi without a bidding process.
MDP interim chairperson Abdul Ghafoor Moosa made the allegation at a press conference held by the party on Monday. He did not disclose the identity of the party to whom the island was leased or the terms of the lease.
Ghafoor said Maniyafushi, located near Malé, had long been designated for use by the Ministry of Fisheries, with studies conducted for fisheries-related purposes. He alleged that the island was now leased without public knowledge or a competitive process.
He said the issue had raised concerns among the public, adding that decisions of this nature should be made transparently.
Ghafoor, who also represents the Hanimaadhoo constituency in parliament, said the public would raise complaints if state assets were transferred without disclosure.
Some media reports have stated that the island was leased to Amir Mansoor, chairman of the State Trading Organization. The government has not commented on the reports.
Maniyafushi falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Fisheries and houses the ministry’s Marine Research Centre.
