The country’s education sector is undergoing a significant infrastructure overhaul, with over USD 116 million currently invested in ongoing development projects, the Minister of Education Dr Ismail Shafeeu has said.
Speaking on the PSM News programme "Hafthaa 104" to mark the second anniversary of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's government, Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu detailed the ambitious plans and considerable progress made in enhancing educational facilities nationwide.
During the interview, the Minister highlighted the substantial financial commitments being made, noting that the current administration has already settled USD 38.9 in outstanding bills inherited from the previous government, which includes the USD 18.2 in unpaid invoices in the education sector.
The government's focus extends to the creation of new learning and support spaces across the country. Projects are underway to develop 775 new classrooms, 35 halls, and over 500 essential support facilities, including libraries, staffrooms, toilets, and laboratories.
Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu emphasised that these extensive projects represent a substantial investment, exceeding USD 116 million and indicated that the current government's two-year period has seen more focused infrastructure development in the formal education system than the preceding two decades combined. The administration aims to complete these ongoing projects within the next two-year timeframe, he added.
Beyond new construction, significant attention is also being paid to the renovation and upgrading of existing educational facilities. The first year of the government saw nearly USD 2 million allocated for renovations, with USD 2.6 million spent so far this year. According to the Minister, an additional USD 2.6 million is earmarked for renovations to prepare for the upcoming academic year.
The Minister assured that a comprehensive assessment of renovation needs is being conducted. This heavy investment in both new and existing infrastructure underscores the government's commitment to improving the educational landscape for students and educators across the Maldives, he added.