Minister of Finance Ibrahim has revealed over USD1.16 billion from the State Budget 2023 has been allocated for economic, industrial, and infrastructural development. He made the remark presenting the State Budget 2023 to the Parliament of the Maldives.
Speaking at the Parliament, Minister Ameer said the main objective of next year's budget is to fulfill the pledges made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He said the state budget was formulated to facilitate the resolution of many basic issues that have not been resolved for a long time, improving the quality of services needed by the people and proving the capability of social and economic revolutionary changes. He mentioned that USD41.8 million has been allocated in the budget for the implementation of water and sewerage facilities in 158 islands.
The government has allocated USD62 million for the reclamation of Gulhifalhu in Kaafu Atoll for the development of the main seaport. Meanwhile, USD162 million has been allocated for the next three years to implement housing projects across the country.
Moreover, more than USD90 million has been allocated for land reclamation and road construction projects while USD51 million has been allocated for the Greater Male' Connectivity Project (GMCP). The budget also includes USD44 million for the new passenger terminal at the Velana International Airport (VIA) and USD27 million for the Addu City Development Project. The budget for next year also includes USD40.9 million for the establishment of waste disposal systems in different parts of the country, USD84.4 million allocated for environmental protection, and the construction of 38 mosques in different parts of the country.
Furthermore, USD25 has been allocated for the construction of housing units in various islands, USD 18.5 million for the national social housing projects, and USD2 million for affordable housing projects. Establishing a strong public transport system in the Maldives is a key priority of the government. As such, the government has allocated more than USD155 million to solve transportation-related issues and USD15 million to develop airports on the islands.