Third installment for the 5 eco-Tourism HICDPs High Impact Community Development Projects
India has released MVR 11,496,095.75 to Government of Maldives as third instalment to implement 5 eco-tourism zone projects in Addu City under the High Impact Community Development projects (HICDP) grant scheme. The first two tranches in respect of these projects, amounting to MVR 11,496,095.75, were released in July 2020 and March 2021 respectively.
India and Maldives signed MoUs in February 2020 for establishment of five Eco-tourism zones in Feydhoo, Meedhoo, Hithadhoo, Hulhudhoo and Maradhoo through a total grant allocation of approx.. USD 2.49 million (MVR 38 million). The Addu Eco-Tourism Zones are expected to generate local employment and enhance eco-tourism opportunities in Addu.
Apart from the above, projects currently in progress under the said scheme include construction of 4 Fish-Processing Plants in Maradhoo, Hithadhoo, Hulhudhoo and Kendhikulhudhoo, setting up a Bottled-Water plant in Hoarafushi, construction of a Drug Detox Centre in Hulhudhoo, Addu City, and, a Soil-testing lab at the Agricultural Research Centre in Hanimaadhoo. Under an enhanced grant of MVR 70 million, MoUs for implementing 8 additional projects have been signed in October 2021. These 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’.
HICDPs constitute an important dimension of the vibrant development partnership between India and the Maldives. These projects are driven by the needs of communities on the islands. They are steered and executed by City and Local Councils and are expected to enhance the capacities of locally-elected representatives and support the decentralization efforts of the Government of Maldives.
The Government of India hopes that the swift completion of these projects will make a difference to communities on the islands, and write a new chapter of partnership between India and Maldives.
13 December, 2021
