Yameen: Should not build bridges even if others do when lacking funds in state budget

Opposition leader, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom has stated that bridges should not be built as the Maldivian government lacks funds in its budget, even if others do.

Speaking at an event held at PPM headquarters on Thursday night, Yameen said that the government had no means to repay its debts at present.

He added that Sinamale’ Bridge interconnecting Male’ City and Hulhumale’ was built during his administration to address a pertinent need of thousands of families to alleviate difficulties faced in traveling. He added that Thilamale’ Bridge, pending construction at present, will not be one which will see as many users.

“This becomes justified if the bridge was being built as it was a bridge planned to be built by our administration and because we had built a bridge. But in expenses, the ends do not meet,” he had said.

Yameen said that if he had been elected for a second term, the bridge interconnecting Male’ City, Vilimale’, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu would have been built by China free of charge.

“Extra expenses in the name of building the bridge further puts government in debt,” he stressed.

Speaking further, Yameen said that observations made during neighboring Sri Lanka’s economic crisis have started to surface in the Maldives as well. In this regard, he said the value of Maldivian Rufiyaa was slowly dropping – whereas prices have hiked significantly.

“The system which came out in Ceylon is coming out here as well. Even if we have foreign currency here, they money should enter banks and be available to be issued as loans for the use of the government and Maldivian citizens,” he added.

Yameen said that whenever MDP assumes power – they leave after ‘washing’ the whole system. On this note, he said that the party will do whatever it desires, no matter at what price.