Transparency Maldives has called on the government to divulge its plans for Faafu atoll, amidst rumours on social media that the state allegedly intends to sell off a part of the atoll to Saudi Arabia.
The anti-graft association released details of the islands and populations of Faafu atoll, and urged the government to disclose its plans, noting that public inclusion is a key factor of national progress.
Some of the rumours circulating on social media allege that the government’s “plan” to sell off a part of Faafu atoll to Saudi Arabia is debilitating to public interest.
Despite the rumours, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom had declared last month that Saudi Arabia is currently undertaking a major development project in Faafu atoll.
In a speech he gave in Magoodhoo island of the atoll, President Yameen stated that the project will open Faafu atoll to the world and create a range of new jobs. The president said the government is looking to bring integrated tourism to Faafu atoll.
Rumours and criticism regarding this project have arisen at a time when the president has hinted that the Saudi monarch, King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud, will soon pay an official visit to the Maldives.
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