Technology.
Opposition figures, including former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail, alleged on October 5, 2026, that the current administration halted the Ocean Connect Maldives India-Asia-Express (OCM-IAX) submarine cable project—valued at approximately $15 million and connected to Hulhumale' during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration—by failing to arrange roughly $20 million needed to operationalize it. They noted that despite the government providing $2.92 million as equity and issuing a sovereign guarantee for a 231 million Rufiyaa loan, the cable remains unused and unconnected to terrestrial networks, causing the Maldives to miss the opportunity to become a regional connectivity hub while internet prices continue to rise. However, even though audit reports show the cable has stalled without being utilized, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's administration maintains that the government is providing full cooperation to proceed with the project without interruption.
Allegations have surfaced that the submarine cable laid in the Maldives is going to waste without being adequately utilized. These allegations highlighted that despite a large expenditure made on this project, the failure to make full use of the cable would result in a huge waste of state finances. Furthermore, concerns were expressed that the main objective of laying the cable has not been achieved, and the delay in delivering its benefits to the citizens in the most desirable manner. In connection with this issue, calls have been made for the relevant authorities to investigate the matter responsibly and make arrangements to ensure the fullest utilization of the cable.
