The High Commission of India in the Maldives has announced seven new projects to be conducted in the Maldives under the High Impact Community Development Programme (HICDP) grant assistance scheme.
The projects were announced by Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar during his recent visit to the Maldives. The seven new projects have a total estimated cost of USD1.8 million and will be conducted in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Noonu Atoll, Kaafu Atoll, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, Thaa Atoll, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, and Addu City. The projects cover the areas of healthcare, youth development, and heritage conservation.
As such, the projects consist of the development of an audiology unit in Kulhudhuffushi Hospital, site museums at historical landmarks in Landhoo in Noonu Atoll and in Dhiyamigili in Thaa Atoll, a multi-sports complex in Manadhoo in Noonu Atoll, a prosthetics and orthotics facility at Hulhumale’ Hospital, youth centres in Dhigurah in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll and in Gemanafushi in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, and a mental health unit at Addu Equatorial hospital.
The number of HICDP projects being conducted in the Maldives has reached 27, with the addition of the seven new projects. The HICDP projects include the drug detoxification and rehabilitation centre and the eco-tourism zone in Addu. The HICDP projects cover the areas of eco-tourism, sustainable development, agriculture, heritage and culture, health, island infrastructure, and education sectors.
The overall allocation for the HICDP projects in the Maldives is USD10 million. The projects are designed as per the priorities of island communities, with most of them being implemented by local councils to enhance their capacities in project execution.
The Indian High Commission noted that 18 other grant projects have been allocated to the Maldives under the grant assistance of USD7 million extended by India in 2019, and 15 of the projects have been completed and inaugurated so far.