Signing of MoUs to execute 8 High Impact Grant Projects in Male- HICDPs
To support decentralization efforts of Government of President Ibu Solih, MoUs were concluded to execute 8 High Impact Grant Projects in the Maldives. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of President UNGA & Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. The projects will be implemented by Island Councils under the additional grant of INR 340 million (MVR 70 million) sanctioned in July 2021.
The projects, with a total cost of INR 176 million (MVR 36.5 million), are spread across 7 Atolls of the Maldives – Thaa, Laamu, Haa Alif, Noonu, Kaafu, Alif Dhaalu, Gaafu Dhaalu. They include - installation of Street Lights in Th. Thimarafushi and Th. Veymandoo, setting up of an ice plant in L. Maabaidhoo, construction of a new Cultural Centre in ADh. Dhangethi, construction of N. Miladhoo Council Building, Strengthening Inclusive Education Support Units at Aboobakuru School (GDh. Thinadhoo), Ihadhdhoo School (L. Gan) and Atoll Education Centre (HA. Dhidhdhoo), acquisition of sea ambulances for the MNDF and upgrade of Olympus theatre in Male’.
Island Councils are currently implementing 12 High Impact projects across Maldives under MVR 85 million grant extended in March 2019. India has also extended a cash grant of MVR 106 million under which 18 developmental projects were taken up for implementation. Of these 30 grant projects, 14 have been completed.
The High Impact grant projects are selected by the Government of Maldives through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They are implemented by the Local Island and City Councils. The projects cover areas of livelihood and income generation, health, education, gender and child empowerment, sports, sustainable development, etc. They are expected to have an immediate and positive impact on the lives of the island communities.
High Impact grant projects constitute an important dimension of the vibrant India-Maldives development partnership. These projects are chosen by the needs of communities on the islands. They are an effective tool to empower Local Councils who have to implement the projects. By doing so, they increase the participation of Councils in the overall social-economic development of the islands. These projects also help councils develop capacities to do further projects on their own. India is honoured to complement & strengthen the decentralisation policy of the Government of Ibu Solih through High Impact grant projects.
Dated 18 October 2021
