Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer has stated about USD 1 billion is still needed to manage state expenses this year.
Speaking at the Parliament of the Maldives, Finance Minister Ameer said the projections made in the State Budget for 2020 have changed significantly due to COVID-19. In this regard, the minister noted although an income of USD 1.94 billion was initially projected for this year, the projected income has now reduced to USD 0.9 billion following the COVID-19 pandemic. He said an additional USD 1 billion is still needed to manage the expenses of the state this year.
The finance minister further stated the government will ensure the provision of all basic services to the people, despite the low income of the state. The minister noted the development projects planned for the year are ongoing despite the difficulties posed by the pandemic, adding the necessary payments relevant to the projects are being processed without disruption. He also highlighted the income support programme launched by the government to assist individuals whose sources of income have been affected negatively due to the pandemic.
The finance minister further noted the investments made in the health sector amid the pandemic. He attributed the success in controlling COVID-19 in the Maldives to the investments made to enhance the healthcare capacity of the country. As such, he highlighted the establishment of COVID-19 medical facilities in several regions across the country and the multiple testing facilities which have helped to boost the COVID-19 testing capacity of the Maldives.