Handover of B. Fehendhoo launch
High Commissioner SunjaySudhir handed over the Fehendhoo-Goidhoo student launch, designed and manufactured under an Indian grant assistance of MVR 2.5 million, during a ceremony held in Male on 08 July 2020.
It is one among the 18 different grant projects being funded by India across various islands of Maldives under a total grant assistance of USD 6.9 million (MVR 106 million) extended in March 2019.
Other projects include, setting up of open air gyms on 61 islands, coastal erosion project (Rasdhoo), installation of street-lights in Kolhufushi, procurement of vehicles and machinery for development of the Male’ city council, , upgrade of police training academy in Vaani, construction of classrooms (Lhohi and Kinolhas), ice plants (Maduvvari and Gaafaru), emergency health services (Dharavandhoo) centre, vehicles for Maldives Correctional Services, infrastructure and equipment for Special Education Needs children (schools in Kulhudhufushi and Fuvahmulah), infrastructure and equipment for Fiyavathicentrecommunitycentre in Fokaidhoo, development of Hulhumale' Central Park and renovation of the Arrival Jetty, procuring Children's Park Equipment for 67 island communities, Development of Wetland Park Area (G. Dh. Faresmathoda) etc.
Ukulhas Convention Centre has been completed and several other projects, including the Coastal protection project in Rasdhoo, setting up of open-air gyms, upgrading the police training Academy in Vaanietc, are nearing completion. The High Commission of India looks forward to the early completion and inauguration of some of these projects over the next few weeks.
After closure of the school in B. Fehendhoo in 2008, the students there were enrolled in the nearby island school of B. Goidhoo. Since then, the students have been traveling to school in a small dinghy arranged by the Council and Fehendhoo Parents Association. The inaugural of the new launch, specifically built for travel in shallow lagoons, will aid the establishment of a safe and reliable student ferry service between B. Fehendhoo and B. Goidhoo.
The High Commission of India is happy to be associated with a project that will ensure the safety of the school-going children from B. Fehendhoo and enhance their everyday experience of commuting to school.
The small grant projects constitute an important dimension of the dynamic development partnership between India and the Maldives. As is evident from the range of projects being undertaken under this assistance, they are driven by the needs of communities on the islands. Furthermore, the projects are implemented through the local Councils/ Ministries/ Agencies under the overall coordination of the Government of Maldives.? The grant projects supported by India across various islands support the vision of decentralisation of the Government of President Solih.
The Government of India hopes for the swift completion of all projects under the small grants scheme which have opened a new chapter of partnership between India and Maldives.
(08 July 2020)
