Press Release - 7 new High-Impact grant projects for the Maldives
Seven new projects will be funded under the Indian High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) grant assistance scheme. These projects were announced by External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar during his recent visit to the Maldives.
The 7 new projects, with a total estimated cost of INR 132 million (MVR 27 million), are spread across 7 Atolls of the Maldives – Haa Dhaalu, Noonu, Kaafu, Alif Dhaalu, Thaa, Gaafu Alifu and Seenu. Healthcare, youth development and heritage conservation are the areas covered by these the new projects. They include the setting up of –
- Audiology Unit in Kulhudhuffushi hospital
- Site museums in N. Landhoo Maabudhuge, and in Th. Dhiyamigilli Ganduvaru
- Multi-sports complex in N. Manadhoo
- Prosthetics & Orthotics facility in Hulhumale’ hospital
- Youth centre in A.Dh. Dhigurah
- Youth centre in Ga. Gemanafushi
- Mental health unit in Addu Equatorial hospital
The addition of these 7 projects take the total number of HICDPs being implemented in the Maldives to 27. Two of these projects – the ‘Vilunu’ Drug detoxification and Rehabilitation Centre and the Meedhoo eco-tourism zone in Addu - were inaugurated during the recent visit of External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar. The HICDPs being implemented cover fisheries, eco-tourism, sustainable development, agriculture, heritage and culture, health, island infrastructure and education sectors. The overall allocation for HICDPs in the Maldives is MVR 155 million.
Apart from the above 27 high-impact projects, 18 other grant projects were allocated to the Maldives under grant assistance of MVR 106 million extended by India in 2019. 15 of these projects have been completed and inaugurated.
HICDPs are designed as per the priorities of island communities. Most of them are implemented by local councils and enhance their capacities in project execution. India looks forward to the early implementation of all HICDPs.
