Gaolhu South Dhaaru Member Accuses Government of Wasting $700 Million on Reshmaale Amid Dollar Crisis

Gaolhu South Dhaaru Member Meeaikil Ahmed Naseem has strongly criticised the government’s spending on the Reshmaale project, claiming that $700 million has been wasted on the initiative while Maldivians face an acute dollar shortage. Speaking on Raajje TV’s late-night news programme, Meeaikil said the government is not implementing any PSIP projects, which he argued would normally help dollars reach the people. Instead, he stated that without implementing any other projects, the government spent $700 million on Reshmaale. “This is not something a country struggling with dollars should do,” Meeaikil said, describing the expenditure as “showing off in front of those who have nothing.” He also remarked that while the current government had criticised the previous administration for “giving roofs from the sea,” it has itself thrown $700 million into the sea for no reason since coming to power. Meeaikil noted that the dollar rate currently stands at 23 and alleged that the government is using force to ban discussion of the matter through new laws. Criticism has been growing over the government’s spending on large projects as the dollar shortage in the Maldives worsens.