Anti- Corruption Commission (ACC) has alleged corruption in the lease of land from the Hulhumale' beach for businesses.
In a statement, the commission alleges corruption in the lease of land from the Hulhumale' beachfront and states Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has been instructed to take action against those in violation of relevant regulations.
In the statement, ACC reveals the empty land plots in front of beachfront properties are being leased out by owners of beachfront properties, while no regulation is in place to govern such a venture. ACC accuses the HDC of failing to take action against the people who are taking undue financial advantage of the situation by leasing out land in front of beachfront properties.
Following an announcement in January, to vacate the beach area, some individuals removed furniture from the areas, according to ACC. However, they were later given temporary permits to continue using those land areas for financial gain.
When HDC granted temporary permits to continue using the land areas, it was granted under specific conditions. Further, furniture should not be fixed to the ground and should be readily available for public use, trees should not be uprooted or felled, any type of shelter should not be constructed and no illegal activities should be conducted.
HDC maintains the beach area is for public use and not to be leased out to parties. The ACC stated granting certain parties to continue using those land areas for financial gain contradicts the aforementioned stance of HDC.