More than 1,200 projects are under way across the Maldives, with arrangements in place to ensure timely payments for the projects, Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Hassan Zareer has said.
The Minister made the remarks while responding to a question from a resident of Velidhoo during the Ahaa forum. The resident had asked why projects that had been started on the island had stalled.
Minister Zareer said he was closely monitoring the progress of projects and that the Government was working to address the challenges affecting their implementation.
He said one of the biggest obstacles was difficulty obtaining the materials needed for construction due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Despite these challenges, the Government was arranging funding to complete priority projects.
The Minister said work was currently under way on 1,273 projects and that arrangements had been made to ensure payments for them.
“We are working to secure funding and carry forward all projects on every island according to their assigned priorities,” Minister Zareer said.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision is to complete and open water and sewerage systems, waste management facilities, and fitness and recreation centres on every island by Independence Day in 2028.
The plan also includes completing outdoor gyms, children’s parks and ATMs, as well as establishing dedicated police facilities and laboratories on every island. It also aims to strengthen healthcare services and school infrastructure and expand inclusive education.
Other priorities include completing religious and sports facilities, alongside projects in the transport sector.
President Muizzu has said these initiatives will contribute significantly to the Maldives’ ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2040.