The governments of the Maldives and India have signed seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for the implementation of seven projects under the Indian grant assistance scheme for High Impact Community Development Project through local bodies (HICDP).
The MoUs were signed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Maldives Abdulla Shahid, the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives Munu Mahawar, and the respective implementing agencies. The signing ceremony was attended by respective parliamentarians, island councils and senior officials from the Government of the Maldives and the High Commission of India.
Speaking at the ceremony, Foreign Minister Shahid noted that the projects launched under the MoUs will strengthen government’s efforts in fostering socio-economic development in local communities by promoting health and wellbeing, empowerment of youth and preservation and protection of culture and heritage. Minister Shahid also expressed his profound gratitude to the Government of India for the key role India plays in promoting socio-economic development of the Maldives.
The projects launched under the MoUs are worth a total grant of approximately USD1.7 million. The projects include establishing a mental health centre at Addu Equatorial Hospital, a speech a therapy unit at Kulhudhufushi Regional Hospital, prosthetics and orthotics manufacturing workshop at Hulhumale’ Hospital, preservation of cultural places in Landhoo Maabudhuge and Dhiyamigili Ganduvaru, development of a multi sports complex in Manadhoo, Noonu Atoll and developing youth centres in Gemanafushi, Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Dhigurah, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll.
The overarching MoU on Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP) through local bodies, was initially signed between the governments of the Maldives and India on March 17, 2019 for a total grant of USD5.5 million and renewed with an increment up to USD10 million, on July 23, 2021. The announcement to undertake seven new projects for implementation under this scheme, was made during the official visit of Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. S. Jaishankar to Addu City last month.
Apart from these seven projects, eighteen more projects are currently underway under this grant scheme. Projects implemented under the grant scheme include the establishment of neighbourhood fish processing plants, development of tourism zones, establishment of a water bottling factory, acquisition of sea ambulances and strengthening inclusive education support units in three schools.