More than 50 sports projects have been completed and handed over to local communities so far this year, Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu has said.
Speaking at a People’s National Congress (PNC) meeting, the Minister said this year is expected to be the year in which the Sports Ministry completes and hands over the highest number of projects to date. The Minister said while over 50 projects have been completed, this includes the development of various sports facilities across the country.
“We have already completed and handed over various sports facilities under more than 50 projects so far this year, and hopefully, this year will become the year where the Sports Ministry implemented the most number of projects to date,” the Minister said.
The government is making significant efforts to establish sports facilities in all parts of the country. In May this year, the government awarded contracts to Fenaka Corporation Limited, Road Development Corporation (RDC) and Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to complete several stalled sports projects.
Resuming and completing delayed sports projects is a key pledge of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. While the government last year commenced efforts to complete such projects, majority of the projects have now been completed and handed over. The President has pledged to complete all remaining projects as soon as possible.
Recent amendments to the Sports Act were also ratified into law by President Dr Muizzu in May. As per the amended Act, funds deposited in the National Sports Fund established under the amended Sports Act may be invested to the extent permitted by the Act to increase the Fund’s expenditure to achieve the objectives of the Fund.
The President established the National Sports Fund with the aim of expanding the number of Maldivian athletes, supporting sports development, and empowering the country’s sporting community.