Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu has stated that the commenced sports projects are halted due to insufficient budget. The remarks were made by the minister responding to a query raised in the Parliament.
Highlighting that there are several stalled projects across the nation, Minister Rafiu stated that the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation is working to oversee the issues to which caused the delays or halts of the projects. The minister noted that inadequate budgets were the primary reasons why projects were delayed or halted. He stated that this would have an impact on the growth of the sports industry, particularly in the islands. He further observed that there were projects pending for two or three years, adding that the allocation of budgets from the upcoming budget was imperative for the completion of the projects.
Speaking on the issue of insufficient budgets allocated for the sports developmental projects, Minister Rafiu said that while the budget allocation continues to decrease, the number of projects remains the same. Highlighting that the budget is inadequate to launch new projects due to the reduction in funds, the minister requested that at least two-thirds of the funds to be included.
Additionally, Minister Rafiu stated that some projects to be commenced in the last quarter of this year has been delayed. As a result, the minster noted that the remaining funds of the project will be allocated in the budget of the following year.