The signing ceremony of eight Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) between the Government of Maldives and Government of India has been held on Thursday at Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These MoUs will be implemented under Indian grant assistance scheme for High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) through local bodies.
The Ceremony was attended by members of Parliament, senior officials from the Government of Maldives and the High Commission of India.
In his remarks delivered at the ceremony, Foreign Minister Shahid highlighted that the projects launched under the MoUs will contribute significantly to socio-economic development, livelihood activity, conservation of environmental and cultural heritage, empowerment of women and child welfare and skills development. Minister Shahid also emphasized the continued support and assistance in various forms received from the Government of India for the socio-economic development of Maldives.
The projects launched under the MoUs signed are worth a total grant of 36,609,600 Rufiya (equivalent to USD 2,374,163). The projects include the acquisition of two sea ambulances; strengthening inclusive education support units in three schools, in G.Dh. Thinadhoo, L. Gan and HA. Dhidhdhoo; development of an ice plant in L. Maabaidhoo; Olympus hall upgrading project; construction of a multi-purpose council building in N. Miladhoo; construction of Dhangethi Cultural Centre and installation of street lights in Th. Thimarafushi and Th. Veymandoo.
The MoUs were signed by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Ahmed Khaleel on behalf of the Government of Maldives and the High Commissioner of India, His Excellency Sunjay Sudhir, on behalf of the Government of India.
The overarching Memorandum of Understanding on Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects through local bodies, was initially signed between the Governments of the Maldives and India on 17 March 2019 for grant of 85 million Rufiya and renewed with an increment up to 155 million Rufiya (equivalent to approximately US$10 million), on 23 July 2021.
Apart from the projects launched on Thursday, twelve projects are currently underway, under this grant scheme. They include the establishment of Geydhoshu Mas Plant (Neighbourhood Fish Processing Plants) in Hithadhoo, Maradhoo and Hulhudhoo of Addu City, and Noonu Kendhikulhudhoo; Development of tourism zones in Hithadhoo, Feydhoo, Maradhoo, Meedhoo and Hulhudhoo of Addu City; Agricultural Linkages Project in Hanimaadhoo by the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources; Establishing a drug detox centre in Addu City Hulhudhoo; Establishing a Water Bottling Factory in Haa Alif Hoarafushi.
