The Government of India has released an advance of USD260,000 to commence the projects funded under Indian grant assistance as part of the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP).
In April, the governments of the Maldives and India signed seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for the implementation of seven projects under HICDP. The projects include establishing a mental health centre at Addu Equatorial Hospital, a speech a therapy unit at Kulhudhufushi Regional Hospital, prosthetics and orthotics manufacturing workshop at Hulhumale’ Hospital, preservation of cultural places in Landhoo Maabudhuge and Dhiyamigili Ganduvaru, development of a multi sports complex in Manadhoo, Noonu Atoll and developing youth centres in Gemanafushi, Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Dhigurah, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll. The projects launched under the MoUs are worth a total grant of approximately USD1.7 million.
The overarching MoU on Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP) through local bodies, was initially signed between the governments of the Maldives and India on March 17, 2019 for a total grant of USD5.5 million and renewed with an increment up to USD10 million, on July 23, 2021. The announcement to undertake seven new projects for implementation under this scheme, was made during the official visit of Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. S. Jaishankar to Addu City last month.
Apart from these seven projects, eighteen more projects are currently underway under this grant scheme. Projects implemented under the grant scheme include the establishment of neighbourhood fish processing plants, development of tourism zones, establishment of a water bottling factory, acquisition of sea ambulances and strengthening inclusive education support units in three schools.